To Provide Emotional Support During Birth
Doulas are known for the calming presence they bring to a birth. With the encouragement, support, and expertise that they bring, you will be able to relax and just focus on the real work of labor. You will also be in communication with your doula in early labor (before physical support is needed) and often that is really helpful in allowing you relax and let your body work efficiently. Your doula knows you and your preferences and having them by your side will allow you to trust that when your doula says, “You’re doing great and everything is fine” that it really is!
To Help Your Partner Help You
We are often asked if “My partner will feel left out?” Many think that a doula takes over the role of the partner. We understand that most partners know you better than we ever will and they bring that intimate knowledge to birth to support you in their own familiar style. Even if they aren’t sure exactly how to support you during labor they know your fears, preferences and desires. We view labor and birth as an opportunity to deepen your relationship and will do everything possible to make that happen. We will work with your partner by encouraging them, offering guidance and suggestions when needed, reminding them to practice self care, and more. We can’t count the times that partners who reluctantly agreed to adding a doula to the birth team declares that they will have a doula for every birth!
To Be Your Advocate
Your doula will know your birth preferences and will help ensure that your wishes are honored as much as medically possible. This advocacy may come in the form of encouraging you to ask the right questions, mediating conversations between you and your care providers, or amplifying your questions or concerns. Your doula works directly for you, not your medical provider or birthing facility. That distinction is an important one!
To Offer Physical Support During Labor
Doulas are trained in techniques to help you manage the intensity of labor and to make it as comfortable as possible. Whether she is massaging your back, applying pressure in key places, or helping you shift into more comfortable and productive positions, your doula’s expertise will help you get through each labor surge. Your doula is also trained in techniques to allow baby to shift into a more optimal position which can be a real game changer.
To Help You Create a Birth Plan
At one of the prenatal visit, your doula will help you gain clarity on your ideal preferences for your birth and baby. Many clients don’t know the common medical practices for birth and baby or their options regarding said practices/protocols. Once clients are clear, their doula will help them create a birth preference sheet that can be reviewed with the medical care provider as well as presented to nurses at hospital or birthing center.
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