10 Reasons Why You Should Hire A Birth Doula
A doula is someone who is trained to support you during your pregnancy and birth. Doulas can come in many different forms: some are professional, others are friends or family members, and some are even doula trainees or students who have been working closely with an experienced doula for years. But no matter how they arrive at your side, doulas provide invaluable assistance during what can be one of the most challenging experiences of your life. So here are 10 reasons why you should consider hiring a birth doula.
They Can Help You Create Your Birth Plan
A birth plan is a list of your preferences for labor and delivery. Many people create these plans with the help of their doula, but it's also possible to do it on your own. A good way to start creating a birth plan is by making a list of all the things you hope will happen during your labor and delivery, then going through each item and thinking about how important it is to you.
Doulas can help pregnant people think through what they want in terms of their care providers (obstetrician or midwife), care location (home or hospital), pain relief methods (natural vs epidural), whether there will be any interventions such as Cesarean sections or inductions with Pitocin drugs, etcetera. Doulas may also suggest specific ways for partners/family members/friends who are present at the birth itself in order for everyone involved--especially women themselves--feel more empowered throughout this process rather than helplessly being told what needs done next without being given any say herself; this includes whether she wants visitors present during labor/delivery since some hospitals don't allow visitors until after baby comes out which could take hours depending on how long labor lasts."
2. They Offer Physical and Emotional Support During Labor
Doulas are trained to help you in labor. As the person who is there from beginning to end, a doula can help you with breathing techniques, relaxation methods, and physical comfort throughout your labor. Doulas will also be supportive of any decisions you make about how to handle your pain relief options (e.g., epidural).
Doulas offer emotional support as well as physical assistance during labor and delivery. They're trained to recognize signs of distress and intervene early if necessary so that both mommy-to-be and baby are safe throughout the process--and they'll be able to provide reassurance if things take longer than expected or if there's any other unexpected outcome during birth!
3. They Will Create Your Ideal Birth Environment
A doula can help you create an environment that is safe and comfortable. She will work with you to create a birth plan that includes the ideal space for giving birth. A doula can also assist in finding equipment, like chairs or tubs, or help you set up a birthing area in your home so everything is ready when it's time for labor to begin.
4. They Help Your Partner Help You
Doulas are trained to help your partner feel more confident in the birth process, which can be very helpful for a partner who may not have had much experience with births before. They also know how to explain what's going on and what you should do next, so your partner will feel less confused and more involved in decisions as they arise.
Finally, doulas are trained in techniques that help people stay calm during stressful situations (like labor). This can make all the difference when it comes time for your partner or spouse's turn at helping out!
5. They Take Care of Your Basic Needs and Run Errands on Your Behalf
Doulas can help with some of the most basic needs and tasks. They'll bring you food and drink, administer medication, help you shower and change clothes (or put on make-up or get out of bed), change sheets or bedding if needed and run errands for you.
For example: A doula might suggest that it's time for your baby to come out if she sees that you're having contractions every 4 minutes for an hour straight; she'll check in with her cell phone at least once an hour while she's gone so she knows what's going on when she gets back home
6. They Remind You of Your Birth Plan Desires and Wishes
A doula is a great resource for helping you remember what you want. They can help keep you focused on your birth plan and remind you of your desires and wishes throughout labor. A good doula will also guide the hospital staff in their care of you by making sure they know about any special requests or accommodations that need to be made for your comfort during labor (if there are any).
A supportive partner or friend may try their best, but it's unlikely that they'll know exactly what goes into having a baby; they might forget something important or give advice that doesn't fit with how things actually go down with births in real life (it happens!). With a doula as part of the team though, there won't be any confusion about whether or not something feels right--she'll be able to tell immediately whether something should change course because something isn't working out as planned!
7. They Support in Feeding Your Baby However You Choose
One of the most important things a doula can do is support you in feeding your baby, regardless of what method you choose. Whether it's breastfeeding or formula feeding, having someone there to help will make a big difference in your experience.
Doulas can also help with other aspects of nursing: pumping milk and storing it in the fridge or freezer; pumping at work; breastfeeding in public (if you want them to).
8. They Answer Questions Before, During, and After Labor
Doulas are a resource for you and your partner. They can answer questions before, during, and after labor.
Before Labor: A doula can help you prepare for the big day with information about what to expect during labor. This includes breastfeeding tips and baby care advice as well as what to bring to the hospital with you in case of an emergency (such as an extra outfit or blanket).
During Labor: A skilled professional who has witnessed many births is ready with solutions when things get tough or stressful--and believe us when we say they will! The emotional support provided by this kind of person is invaluable; they'll stay positive no matter how intense the situation gets while keeping everyone focused on what needs doing next so that everything goes smoothly from start-to-finish without any unnecessary drama along the way either physically or emotionally...which leads us straight into our next point...
9. Because You Know The Stats
You probably know that the US Cesarean rate is currently at over 30%. That's a lot! You've also probably heard that epidural rates are up, too. In fact, more than 50% of women who give birth in hospitals have an epidural.
And what about interventions? According to the CDC, 32% of births involve some kind of intervention (like an induction or C-section). And yet another study found that when you look at all births--including homebirths--about half include some kind of intervention like Pitocin or an IV drip.
But wait! There's more: many studies show that doulas reduce cesarean rates and inductions by as much as 50%, along with reducing other interventions like epidurals by up-to-90%.
10. You Want to be Supported No Matter How or Where You Choose to Labor
You need someone who can help you manage the physical and emotional challenges of labor, no matter where it takes place. A doula is trained in the latest evidence-based practices for supporting women during pregnancy and birth, including laboring at home, in birthing centers and hospitals.
So, if you're still on the fence about hiring a doula, I hope this article has shown you that it's worth it. There are so many benefits to having one by your side during labor and delivery!