Why Hire a Doula | Cumberland MD Doula

Planning for a new baby will be one of the most exciting and overwhelming journeys of your life. While babies don’t need much more than love, food, shelter, and clothing, preparing yourself for all the changes that will happen to your life and your body + mind will assist in an easier and more joyful transition into parenthood.

First, what is a doula?

The term doula originates from a Greek term meaning slave or woman who serves. Modern day doulas are not “slaves” but they are people who serve a pregnant and birthing person. I typically explain to my clients, dad’s especially, that I’m essentially a birth coach, but birth guide or birth keeper would be more accurate. I’m here to talk through your changing body, what to expect in pregnancy, how to prepare for childbirth and postpartum life and after. I’m not your provider (midwife or OBGYN if you choose one), but I am here to hold space, offer advice, and empower you.

So, let’s dive in to why you should hire a doula:

1. Because you need someone who is invested in you, knows your choices, and can answer questions throughout your pregnancy.
   
   Need someone to explain something your provider said? Your doula is well versed and able to translate. Need questions answered quickly? Ask your doula. They’re more accessible for those little burning questions and sometimes big ones too. Want someone who has spent months getting to know you and your birth choices? That’s what a doula is for. Medicalized birth can feel like you’re simply a number on a chart and pushed through a conveyor belt. Your doula is invested in helping support each detail that is important to you.
   
   
2. Because birth is intense, and a doula will help with comfort measures during labor and delivery.
   
   Whether you want no pain meds or not, a doula will help keep you comfortable with movement, massage, breathing techniques, and more. If your goal is unmedicated labor your doula will read your signs to help ease you through, one contraction or surge at a time. They will make suggestions to both you and your partner for a happy, healthy labor and delivery. A doula is continuous labor support and a dedicated support to you and your partner. Nurses, while angels at times, will come in and out, and doctors will check in fewer times than that. A doula is your constant.
   
   
3. For someone who will convey your choices to your provider when you are focused on your labor.
   
   It’s no secret that the history of birth in the U.S. has left women and birthing people with trauma and unfulfilled birthing experiences. Medical practices once included knocking women out or performing unnecessary interventions without consent. A doula can assist with making sure your choices are made with informed consent. It is important to me that nothing is done to you, and your birthing process moves by your choice.
   
   
4. To assist with breastfeeding/chestfeeding.
   
   Getting that latch down and good relationship with your baby for breastfeeding/chestfeeding also takes support. Your doula can help with this process after birth and at home visits especially when a lactation consultant may not be available. Again, the goal is feeding without intervention (sugar water, shields, or formula).
   
   
5. For at home support during the postpartum period.
   
   An extra set of hands is always helpful in the postpartum period. I will check in on you during your postpartum recovery and after. I can help answer questions, offer suggestions, let you nap, bring you food, help clean… it is your job during this time to rest, heal, and bond with your baby. That’s it. Let everyone else take care of everything else.
   
   
6. Because doula support statistically reduces caesarean births, unnecessary interventions, and length of labor.
   
   Overall, people who received continuous support were more likely to have spontaneous vaginal births and less likely to have any pain medication, epidurals, negative feelings about childbirth, vacuum or forceps-assisted births, and Cesareans. In addition, their labors were shorter by about 40 minutes and their babies were less likely to have low Apgar scores at birth. Doula support in labor can also lower postpartum depression in mothers. {More on evidence for Doulas}
   
   
7. To help support your partner during this process.
   
   This is all new to you but also to your partner. If they need guidance, emotional support, food during the process, your doula is there. A doula is not meant to replace your partner but to add another pillar in your support system. A cognizant doula will know when to step in and step back so you partner can be as much a part of the process and you/they want.
   
   
8. Because you want a childbirth expert and someone to hold your hand through this process.
   
   Even if you’ve done this before, birth is spontaneous and all pregnancies and births are different because all babies are different. With dozens or more births under their belt, the experience in different birthing situations is invaluable.
   

Any provider or support you work with won’t have all the answers, but we can direct you to resources and offer a community environment that can transfer knowledge, offer feelings of security, increase autonomy in the birth decision-making process. This is your birth, your way.

Want to chat more? Ready to move forward? Let’s schedule a face to face.