What is a Birth Doula?

Hey Bumpy Babes! Has someone you know told you you should have a birth doula? Are you curious about having a birth doula assist you and your partner at your birth but don't really know what a doula is? No worries, let's discuss it. A birth doula is a trained professional who provides expert guidance for continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their client before, during and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible. As a birth doula, I help support families through the life changing experience of having a baby! Whether it’s your family’s first or even tenth baby, as a birth doula, I work to help make the birth experience better.

Countless scientific trials examining doula care demonstrate remarkably improved physical and psychological outcomes for both pregnant, birthing, and postpartum mothers and their baby. Doulas have a positive impact on the well-being of the entire family.

What type of support does a birth doula offer?

Physical Support Doulas suggest position ideas for comfort and labor progression. Doulas can often utilize hands-on techniques called comfort measures which are techniques used to increase comfort during labor. Those techniques include comforting touch, counter pressure, breathing techniques and other “doula magic” for families. A doula’s skilled hands and positioning tools can often help with labor progression and when a baby needs to be repositioned in order to find its way through the pelvis and into the parent's arms.

Emotional Support Doulas help families feel supported, easing the emotional experience of birth and also helping to create a space where the hormones of labor can work at their best. Whether a birth is completely unmedicated or medically very complex, every family can benefit from nurturing and connection at this tender, incredible time in their lives.

Partner Support Whether it’s a romantic partner, a friend, or another family member like the baby’s grandma, the birth partner’s experience matters in birth. Doulas are there to support every birth partner in being as involved as they’d like with the birth. Physical and emotional support make a huge difference for everyone involved.

Evidence-Based Information and Advocacy A major benefit of having a birth doula is that you have a living birth encyclopedia. Doulas meet with you prior to your delivery (whether in person or virtually) to inform you of your different options, to learn your preferences and provide evidence-based information and resources so you can feel confident and make informed decisions regarding your birth. Doulas serve as a bridge of communication between their client and their providers, lifting them up to help them find their voices and advocate for the very best care.

All families benefit with a birth doula on their team!