Doula I do? or Doula I don’t? The Essential Benefits of Hiring a Doula & What They Actually Do

The Essential Benefits of Hiring a Birth Doula & What They Actually Do

The journey of pregnancy is a profound experience filled with anticipation, joy, and sometimes anxiety. As expectant parents navigate this transformative period, the support they receive can significantly impact the overall experience. One increasingly popular option is hiring a birth doula. But what exactly does a doula do, and why should you consider bringing one into your birthing team?

So What is a Birth Doula?

A birth doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to expectant parents before, during, and shortly after childbirth. Unlike medical professionals, doulas do not deliver babies or provide medical care. Instead, they focus on the emotional and physical well-being of the birthing person, helping create a positive and empowering pregnancy and birth experience. They also help prepare you for parenthood in a variety of ways.

Doulas are knowledgeable about the birthing process and can offer guidance on pain management techniques, comfort measures, and labour positions. For instance, a doula may teach you about the effectiveness of upright positions which can shorten the first stage of labour by up to 1 hour according to some studies. They also advocate for the birthing person's wishes, ensuring that preferences are respected during the labor and delivery process.

The Emotional Support of a Doula

One of the most significant benefits of hiring a doula is the emotional support they provide. Pregnancy and childbirth can be overwhelming, and having someone who understands the journey can make a world of difference. Doulas offer continuity of care like no other. Time is given to build a trusting relationship between doulas and clients. They offer a listening ear, reassurance, encouragement, and a familiar face when it is needed most. They help to alleviate fears and anxieties.

Research indicates that continuous emotional support during labor can lead to shorter labour times, lower rates of intervention and cesarean sections, and a reduced need for pain relief. One study found that women who received continuous support from a doula were 26% less likely to have a cesarean birth. A doula can help create a calming environment, allowing the birthing person to focus on the experience rather than stressors.

A peaceful birthing environment helps promotes relaxation

Physical Comfort Measures

In addition to emotional support, doulas are trained in various physical comfort measures that can help ease labour pains. They can assist with techniques such as:

• Breathing exercises: Doulas can guide expectant parents through breathing techniques that promote relaxation and help manage pain. Research suggests these methods can decrease labour time by providing a focus during contractions.

  
  

• Hypnobirthing: Many doulas are trained in, or very familiar with hypnobirthing, therefore able to support those who have practiced the technique during pregnancy. It is a method that uses deep breathing, visualisation, and self-hypnosis with the aim and benefits of; reducing anxiety, reducing the need for medicalised pain management, less intervention, and a more positive overall experience.

  
  

• Massage and touch: Physical touch and acupressure can be soothing during labour. Doulas can offer massage or suggest positions that relieve discomfort. For example, using counter-pressure during contractions can significantly ease pain, a technique many doulas are trained to implement.

  
  

By incorporating these comfort measures, doulas help create a more positive and manageable labour experience.

Advocacy and Communication

A doula can serve as an advocate for the birthing person, if they are struggling to do so themselves and with permission. This ensures that their preferences and choices are communicated effectively to the medical team. This advocacy is crucial in high-stress situations where decisions need to be made quickly.

They can also suggest/request time for discussion prior to any decisions being made, particularly during labour if an unexpected or previously unwanted intervention is suggested. This provides clarity and understanding of what is being offered and why, provides thinking time and an opportunity to ask further questions. This support empowers expectant parents to make informed decisions about their care, leading to a more satisfying birth experience.

Preparing for Labour and Birth

Hiring a doula enhances the preparation process for labour and birth. Doulas often provide prenatal education, helping expectant parents understand what to expect during labour and delivery. This education can include:

• Birth plans & preferences: Doulas can assist in creating a birth plan that outlines the birthing person's preferences, clarifying their wishes for labour and delivery. According to a study, having a birth plan can increase satisfaction with the experience by over 30%.

  
  

• Pain management options: Doulas discuss various pain relief options, both medical and non-medical, allowing expectant parents to make informed choices.

  
  

• Understanding the stages of labour: Doulas explain the different stages of labour, helping parents recognize when to go to the hospital or birthing center.

  
  

With a doula's guidance, expectant parents can feel more confident and empowered as they approach the big day.

A detailed birth plan outlining preferences for labour and delivery

Postpartum Support

The role of a doula doesn't end with the birth of the baby. Many doulas offer postpartum support, helping families adjust to life with a newborn. This support can include:

• Breastfeeding assistance: Doulas provide guidance on breastfeeding techniques and help address challenges. According to a survey, having support can increase breastfeeding success rates by as much as 50%.

  
  

• Emotional support: The postpartum period can be emotionally challenging. Doulas offer a listening ear to help new parents navigate their feelings during this adjustment.

  
  

• Practical assistance: Doulas assist with household tasks, meal preparation, or caring for older siblings, allowing new parents to focus on bonding with their newborn.

  
  

Having a doula during the postpartum period can ease the transition into parenthood and provide valuable support during this critical time.

The Benefits of Continuous Support

Research consistently shows that continuous support during labour leads to better outcomes for both the birthing person and the baby. Studies indicate that hiring a doula can result in:

• Shorter labour times: Up to 25% shorter in some cases

• Reduced need for pain relief medications: Reductions of up to 30% in epidural use

• Lower rates of cesarean sections: About 15% lower compared to those without support

• Increased satisfaction with the birth experience: A marked improvement of over 30% satisfaction ratings in many reported experiences

  
  

By providing continuous support, doulas foster an environment where expectant parents feel safe, respected, and empowered.

A doula provides comforting support during a home session, helping a pregnant woman with relaxation techniques.

Choosing the Right Doula

When considering hiring a doula, it's essential to find someone who aligns with your values and preferences. Here are some tips for choosing the right doula for your needs:

1. Research: Look for doulas in your area and read reviews or testimonials from previous clients. There are many directories that list doulas local to you such as 'Doula UK' and 'My Bump To Baby'.

   
   

2. Interview: Schedule interviews with potential doulas to discuss their experience, training, and approach to support. Many doula's offer a free of charge 'Discovery Call' where you can have an initial chat with no obligation. They may offer to visit you in your home, meet you in a cafe or hold an online meeting to discuss needs and answer any questions.

   
   

By taking time to find the right doula, you can ensure that you have the supportive and informative presence needed throughout your pregnancy and birthing experience.

What Does a Typical Doula Package Look Like?

All doulas work slightly differently and have unique offerings. Some doulas offer both birth and postnatal services while others offer birth only or postnatal only services. Support can be in-person, but recently virtual support has become more popular. This suits those who want to feel held and listened to by someone who is knowledgeable in their field, that can offer evidence based information, practical and emotional support, but they don't feel they need to have an extra person physically present. More of a 'doula in a pocket', rather than in the room. Both doula types can have a positive impact on overall experiences and outcomes.

At By Your Side Doula an example of a birth package includes -

• Discovery Call - free 30 minute, no obligation call to discuss options and have questions answered

• First Meeting - conducted in person or via Zoom to become acquainted, start establishing a foundation, and discuss thoughts, emotions, aspirations, concerns, and the client's priorities

• Antenatal Sessions - three sessions customized to align with clients' priorities. These may include antenatal education, discussions about appointments, past experiences, fears, concerns, and birth planning.

• Bringing Home Baby Session - a session focused on preparing for life with a newborn. It's especially beneficial for first-time parents, providing them with increased confidence and understanding during those initial weeks.

• Catch Up Call - to discuss all details and go over things prior to the on-call period.

• Messaging Support - Available from booking, Monday to Friday,10am to 6pm, increasing to 8am to 10pm, 7 days a week during the third trimester.

• On-Call from 38 Weeks - Attending clients in-person or virtually from when needed during labour and birth to when settled. This can be provided in the setting of choice, whether that is home, in a hospital, or in a Midwife Led Unit (MLU), to accommodate the clients' birth preferences.

• Postnatal Support - two postnatal visits, in-person or via zoom, within the first 6 weeks providing emotional, practical and physical support.

• Messaging Support - continued for 6 weeks postnatally.

Many doulas' provide other services such as pregnancy nutrition, pregnancy yoga, hypnobirthing, placenta encapsulation, breastfeeding support and gentle parenting advice.

Other offerings from 'By Your Side Doula' include -

• Perinatal Power Call

• Comfort Coaching Call

• Birth Preference Planning Workshop

• Antenatal Education Course

• Be A Better Birth Partner Workshop

• Positive Parenting Workshop

• Weaning Workshop

• Virtual Coffee Mornings

• Monthly Miscarriage Matters

Calm Pregnancy

Your Path to Support

Hiring a birth doula can be a transformative decision for expectant parents. From providing emotional support and physical comfort measures to advocating for your wishes and offering postpartum assistance, doulas play an invaluable role in the perinatal period. As you prepare for labour and birth, consider the benefits of having a doula 'By Your Side'. With their expertise and support, you can approach this journey with confidence and reassurance.

Whether you’re feeling anxious about the birthing process or simply want to enhance your experience, a doula can be an invaluable addition to your birthing team. So, as you ponder the question, "Doula I do? or Doula I don’t?" remember the essential benefits they bring to the table. Your journey into parenthood deserves the best support possible.

If you would like to know more about how 'By Your Side Doula' can support you why not book a 'Discovery Call' for a free chat

Discovery Call