Do I Need a Doula for My Birth?
When it comes to your birth experience, one of the most important things you can do to prepare is putting together your birth team. Doulas can be an incredible asset to you as you think about who you want to support you during your labor experience. Learn about the benefits of a doula here!
Show Notes:
[1:12] The reviewer of the week, Tabs33, says, “Amazing!” She started listening to the podcast when she switched providers at 26 weeks pregnant. She received knowledge about what questions to ask and to have confidence in herself to switch. From the birth stories to finding out you could say no in the hospital 🤯, she recommends this podcast and the birthing class to all her mama friends (even if they’ve already had babies). Thank you, Tabitha! 💜
Even if someone has already had their babies, we feel that there is always more to learn when it comes to pregnancy and labor. There are always new updates coming out and new evidence for other birth-related topics. I hope you feel up to date by listening to the podcast!
[2:17] Do I need a doula for my birth? I hope that after this episode, you will be in a better place to decide if this is something you want to add onto your birth experience! 🤰🏼
[2:47] I give an overview of what a doula is and how a doula supports you! They work for YOU not your provider. She sees you through the whole process: pregnancy, birth, and at least a few hours postpartum.
[4:45] Side Note: I hope you’ve interviewed a few doulas! Personality is a HUGE part of the birthing space. Take your time and interview as many doulas as you want and take stock of how you feel about each one. 🧐
[6:02] Prenatal visits + education go hand-in-hand! Your doula should be doing a lot of childbirth education and sharing her knowledge with you. Physical touch, such as counter pressure, is an important part of prenatal visits to get to know each other. This is also the time the doula gets to know your preferences and what you need. She can also give recommendations to help you succeed in achieving the birth you want! 💕
[8:05] They’re also there to support you however they can! There is no such thing as TMI between a doula and her client! (Trust me, I’ve seen my fair share of mucus plugs. Nothing is too gross or weird.) 😉
[9:02] What kind of physical support does a doula provide? Think things like counter pressure, massage, soothing touch, etc. Doulas also do the background work so mom and dad can stay together the entire time! 💆🏼♀️
[9:42] Some examples of what a doula can do for you: getting a wet rag, a birth ball, food, chapstick, water, etc. She is there to anticipate your needs and provide extra comfort measures!
[10:53] I talk about two things you should be doing every 30 minutes during the labor process.❗️Dads! Listen to this part! ❗️
[11:23] Doulas can also be the bridge between getting Dad involved so that he’s actually helping and not lost the whole time or doing all the wrong things. 🤦🏼♀️
[12:13] Emotional support is a huge part of what a doula does. In this vulnerable, sacred space of birth, you need all the encouragement and support you need! Doulas are aware of your birth maps and what you want so they can remind you of what you wanted for your birth experience. 🗒
[15:05] I talk about the BEST part of having a doula on your birth team! 🎉
[16:43] Statistics on why you should have a doula on your birth team! 📊
[17:50] I give different examples of birth experiences and how a doula can help you during each of those.
- Hospital Birth with Medication
- Hospital Birth without Medication
- Birth Center/Home Birth
[24:25] I talk about my personal experience with using a doula for my own labor at home. I felt like this was something that I needed for myself! The support in the room made all the difference! 🥰
[25:30] Postpartum visits with your doula happen much sooner than your 6-week visit with your provider. They check you from head-to-toe: physically, emotionally, and mentally.
[28:45] This is a great episode for dads to listen to! I hope you feel informed and able to make a decision on what is best for you, your partner, and your birth space! ✨
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1. Open Apple Podcasts
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4. Click the stars!
5. Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved!
ALL the best,
Links Mentioned:
Impact of Doulas on Healthy Birth Outcomes
Continuous Support for Women during Childbirth
Additional Resource:
The Doula Difference: Lowering Cesarean Rates
