January 17, 2021
By Jane Chevalier
What is a Doula, you ask? A Doula is a trained birth professional who helps mama undergo her physical, emotional childbirth experience, providing information & resources along the way (DONA International 2021). There are various reasons why hiring a doula is beneficial. Not only does a hiring a doula have a direct impact on mama, but it can be helpful for the entire family. Doulas are the bestie you never knew you needed during pregnancy & birth.
Prior to birth, Doulas can:
- Help you create a “Birth Plan” or “Birth Intention”
- Offer a different perspective from your OB or Midwife
- Act as a sounding board
- Answer questions about birth in general
During birth, Doulas can:
- Suggest helpful birthing positions
- Be your emotional cheerleader and offer reminders as to why you chose your particular birth setting and birth team
- Provide hands on Massage in the best spots
- Offer comfort tools (essential oils, TENS unit, Rebozo Sifting)
- Give your partner a break, “tapping in”
Post birth, Doulas can:
- Help you process your birth experience
- Bring your birth story to life
- Provide postpartum treats & tools
Evidenced Based Research shows Doulas significantly improve health outcomes for mama & baby such as (Bohren et al. 2017, McGrath and Kennell 2008 and Kennell et al. 1991):
- Increased chances for an unmedicated birth
- Shorter labors
- Fewer interventions (C-sections, medications, and medical instruments)
- More positive birth experiences
- Healthier Apgar scores for baby
Ready to start your search? Check out The List for my personal recommendations and Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Doula.
References
Brohen et al. July 6 2017. “Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth.” Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews. Accessed January 17, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub6
DONA International. 2020. “Benefits of a Doula.” Accessed January 17, 2021, https://www.dona.org/what-is-a-doula/benefits-of-a-doula/
Kennell, John. “Continuous Emotional Support During Labor in a U.S. Hospital: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” JAMA, 265, no. 17 (May 1991): 2197-2201. Accessed January 17, 2021, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2013951/
McGrath, Susan and Kennell, John. “A Randomized Controlled Trial of Continuous Labor Support for Middle-Class Couples: Effect on Cesarean Delivery Rates.” Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care, 35, no. 2 (June 2008): 92-97. Accessed January 17, 2021, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18507579/
Patel, Shivani. April 10 2018. “Essential Oils: A Pain Management Alternative for Labor and Delivery.” UT Southwestern Medical Center. Accessed January 17, 2021, https://utswmed.org/medblog/essential-oils-pregnancy/
Pregnancy Birth & Baby. January 2020. “TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation).” Accessed January 17, 2021, https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/tens
Spinning Babies. 2021. “What is Rebozo Manteada?” Accessed January 17, 2021, https://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy-birth/techniques/other-techniques/rebozo-manteada-4/
Mommy Index 