It isn’t common knowledge that pregnancy services are available outside the care of your obstetrician and hospital nursing staff. However, hiring a doula might be one of the best decisions you could ever make as a future parent. To learn more about what a doula’s role in childbirth is and why you can benefit from having a doula with you during labor, read on!
1. Having an advocate during labor can drastically improve patient outcomes and self-confidence. During labor, your hospital room may be a hectic place. However, your doula can support you as you make decisions about your own body during birth. Doulas can provide advocacy facilitating communication between you and the medical staff, amplifying your voice when you have questions or concerns or encouraging you to make your opinions known to your doctors and nurses.
2. Scientific evidence demonstrates that receiving continuous support during labor makes it less likely that you will need pain medication, an epidural, or a Cesarean section. Importantly, there is no evidence at all of the negative consequences resulting from the continuous labor support provided by doulas.
3. Another one of the many pregnancy services provided by doulas is physical support during labor. For example, your doula can help you to find comfort by offering comforting touch or massage. They might also help with your breathing or assist you with water therapy to ease labor pains.
4. If you have a partner who will be accompanying you during the labor process, a doula can also provide support to your birth partner! By suggesting ways that your partner can support you and improve their connection with you during labor, a doula can unite both you and your partner throughout the birthing process.
The pregnancy services offered by doulas are not always exactly the same, so choose your team carefully when you are making decisions about how you would like your labor to progress.
