7 Ways Doulas Make Birth Better

Joy, excitement and delight! You feel all the feels when you find out you are pregnant! But when thinking of the actual birth, you may have concerns, fears or worries.

Maybe you’ve been thinking:

• “I’m worried that my spouse/partner won’t know how to help me.”
• “I’m afraid of being in pain and out of control.”
• “What if my care provider pushes for interventions I don’t want?”

Imagine filling your mind with these thoughts instead:

• “I’m confident about going into labor. I feel prepared to give birth.”
• “My birth team fully supports my wishes and will help me have a safe, supported birth.”
• “My partner is rock solid and has all the support they need to help me give birth.”
• “I have someone in my corner, available at all times, who is there for me!”

The arrival of your baby is one of the most life-changing events you will ever experience—you want to remember it positively. To that end, doulas can help clients feel confident, bonded and full of joy as they bring their baby into the world.

Maybe you are wondering how doulas make birth better?

Doulas provide everything from foot rubs to back rubs. They fetch your partner meals, advocate for your birth wishes, create a relaxing atmosphere in your birthplace and answer questions along the way. Doulas give encouragement when it gets hard, educate you about your choices, and let your partner get some sleep. Ultimately, they create a safe space for a mother as she gives birth. This is vital because women give birth more easily and comfortably when they have support and feel safe.

Here are 7 specific ways doulas make birth better:

1. Doulas make pre-birth visits to relieve stress and fear.

Once hired, your doula is yours! You can call, text, or email—they are always available to you. They will meet with you before birth to prepare for the birth experience you are dreaming of. Together you can create a birth plan, work through your fears, or practice relaxation techniques. Your doula will know how to best support you and your partner, empower you and guide you to feel safe and confident.

2. Doulas provide an easier, more comfortable birth experience.

Doulas are birth professionals and they know many different birth positions, massages and techniques—all of which can help your labor progress most efficiently. They are experts in providing comfort in the physical and emotional needs you may have during labor. They can help you create an environment that allows you to relax fully. Doulas help reduce interventions and improve birth outcomes.

3. Your birth story memories captured.

Some parts of birth are forever imprinted on our hearts. Other memories fade almost instantly. Many doulas are happy to snap photos and videos during birth if you and your partner want it documented. You’ll be able to re-live those precious moments. Your doula can write birth notes, documenting the timeline and details of your birth story. These images and words make a remarkable addition to your baby book.

4. Doulas give you the confidence to make birth choices.

Birth can be unknown and scary. Even though you can’t control exactly what will happen, you are still the one who gets to call the shots. Doulas can help ensure that you receive all the information you need to make informed decisions. They’ll provide all the support you need, no matter what direction your birth may take. And they’ll do everything in their power to make your day calm and full of joy as you meet your baby.

5. Doulas empower your partner to be helpful and confident to support you.

Partners have an amazing ability to perform under pressure and have the potential to be an incredible support to you in labor. The only hitch? They need to know what to do. That’s why partners and doulas make a great team. Doulas have the knowledge . . . your partner has a heart bursting with love for both you and your baby. Doulas equip your partner to be as involved as you want them to be.

6. Doulas ensure from beginning to end—you never feel alone.             

From the first contraction, doulas are there to walk you through. Doulas focus on you and your partner in each moment during birth. You can count on their undivided attention, never taking away from your partner, but truly supporting you as a couple. Doulas can help you labor at home or meet you at your birth place. Doulas come to you at your invitation and are your dependable support through the whole birth process.

7. Doulas give you postpartum support that gets you off to the best start.

As a new parent, you can be full of joy and full of worry. You may spend a lot of time wondering if you and your little one are normal. Many doulas make at least one postpartum visit in the first week and provide phone and email support in the months to come. A doula’s goal is to help you feel confident and in tune with your body and your baby so you experience and enjoy bonding and breastfeeding during your little one’s first weeks and months of life. 

So is a Birth Doula worth the financial investment?

How much would you spend on a wedding, vacation or massage? The way these events unfold are memories that last forever. We know you have expenses when you’re expecting, but the way a baby is born matters.How you feel at your birth . . . matters. Hiring a doula reduces worry and provides a better birth outcome. Having a doula by your side reduces the experience of birth trauma and unnecessary interventions. Remembering your birth with a positive memory . . . is worth every investment!

Doulas just make birth better!

Schedule a free doula consult with Baby Nest Birth Services at babynestbirth.com.

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