Is it true that outcomes are better with birth doulas? Why and what does this mean?

It is true and since we love science as much as the next person, it is amazing to say that mutiple studies have shown that the presence of a trained doula is of benefit to everyone- birthing person, partner and baby. In fact, doula care is associated with the following amazing benefits.

• Shorter labors

• Less use of epidurals and other pain medications

• Lower episiotomy rates

• As much as a 50% reduction in C-Section rates

• Few admissions to Neonatal Special Care

• Higher breastfeeding rates

• Enhanced family bonding

• Higher satisfaction with birthing experiences

Does a doula replace a partner? Do you need a doula if you have a partner?

NO!!! In fact, partners tend to be our number one referrers once they see what an asset we are for both them and their birthing partners. A doula is an addition to a team - not a replacement. She is there to support everyone in their own role- helping partners to provide comfort, or giving them a break when needed so that birthing partner isn’t alone. Think about it - who is with the laboring person if the partner needs to pee/eat/check in with family or siblings? Having a third set of hands is never a bad idea!

Do I need a doula if I have an epidural? Can I have an epidural if I have a doula?

Yes, yes, yes! Having a doula is not about medicated or unmedicated or any other specific birth choice or circumstance. Firstly a doula is a non judgmental support and we are not invested in whether you birth with our without medication unless that is YOUR personal goal. (If you sense otherwise from your doula, she may not be the right fit for you!) Secondly, an epidural doesn’t mean that birth is over! There is still plenty of need and opportunity for providing comfort, information and advocacy in helping you to achieve your birth vision.

Is a doula the same as a midwife?

We love this question and we love midwives! But they are not the same. A midwife provides medical care for you and your baby during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. (They can also provide you will well care including annual pap smears etc!) Doulas are there for emotional, educational, and physical support during pregnancy, birth and the immediate postpartum period.

How do I interview and hire a doula?

If you do a google on this one, you’ll likely land on a neat list about “how many births” and “what kind of training” a doula has had. If this is important to you- awesome! Here are some other ways to think about finding the right doula.

• Do you feel comfortable expressing your real needs, fears, hopes with her?

• Is she someone you could imagine being vulnerable with? Think :naked, peeing, pooping and otherwise.

• Does she seem to have her own agenda? Her own ideas about your birth or how it will or should play out?

• Does her vibe and style match yours?

• Are you going based on a friend or recommendation? Make sure to meet with a few people and not just to do what your amazing friends do - everyone is different! (We can help you with this.)

• Focus less on her fee and more on the fit. Many doulas will work with flexible plans or have room for sliding scale clients if there is a true financial need.

What should I talk to my doula about?

The better question is what not to talk to your doula about? You can spend time on your birth vision, something that came up in a prenatal appointment with your care provider, practicing comfort measures, unpacking your anxiety about birth or motherhood, planning for the return to work or processing your birth experience! For more ideas head here.

Is a doula worth it?

Follow up to our above on focusing less on fee and more on fit. IT CANNOT BE SAID ENOUGH - THE RIGHT DOULA IS ONE OF THE MOST WORTHWHILE INVESTMENTS YOU CAN MAKE IN THE PREGNANCY AND POSTPARTUM JOURNEY. If you are unable to pay for your doula without assistance, add it to your registry and/or ask your close family and friends to pitch in. Consider your values and real needs- many of us are splurging on fancy gizmos, gadgets and baby showers when our true needs are not being met, and at the end of the day this is what matters the most.

Have another question? Contact us here.