Once you find out that you’re pregnant, there are so many things to think about.
Like how to deal with each trimester of pregnancy, what you do and don’t want on your registry, how you will split care with your birth partner postpartum. And it can get overwhelming fast!
Another facet that is especially important is your birth plan: how you want things to go in the hospital (or at home), plans for interventions, medicated versus unmedicated, and – maybe most importantly– who you want there to support you. Of course, you will be accompanied by your healthcare provider and medical team as well as your birth partner, and maybe even some family or friends if you so choose.
However, there may be a key figure that needs to be present in the birthing suite: a doula.
A Birth Doula is a professional specifically trained for labor, childbirth and postpartum care support. They are a support person that you hire to be present for you throughout the last stage of your pregnancy, during labor and even sometimes for up to 6 weeks postpartum. A Birth Doula does not replace your OBGYN / midwife or other members of the medical team. They do not offer medical advice or make decisions for you regarding medical care, but rather help you carry out your values and birth plan to the best of their ability within a medically-advisable way.
Doulas can often provide advice and information about labor prep and become a close source of mental, emotional and physical support to both the mother and birth partner during labor.
Doulas can offer the following during labor support:
Physical support during the childbirth process to help you maintain a sense of control and comfort. Keeping your nervous system regulated helps your labor progress well. Examples of physical support include creating a calm environment, soothing touch, counter pressure and coaching through breathing techniques.
Emotional support is a key role for your doula and one of the most important aspects of their skills.
Informational support where your doula will keep you and your birth partner appraised of the stage of labor with giving you evidenced-based information about birth options. This can include techniques for labor prep (e.g., hip mobility, perineal massage) as well as explaining certain medical procedures and why they occur. They can also assist with communication between you and your medical team.
Advocacy during, before and after the birth to assist with the best possible outcomes for the entire family.
Fairly often, you may be meeting the medical team that will guide you through your labor when the time comes. Of course, you have an established OBGYN or Midwife, but sometimes they may not be the one to actually deliver the baby. On the other hand, a doula will work to establish a relationship with you and your partner before labor to learn your values and preferences.
Not only are doulas there to provide emotional and physical advocacy, but the science supports it!
The presence of a birth doula during labor has been shown to decrease the incidence of C-sections by up to 50%, decrease the length of labor by 25%, and requests for an epidural by 60%. There may also be 13% fewer visits to the emergency room for mom and 8% reduction in NICU admissions for baby. And the benefits don’t end when the baby comes! The presence and support of a doula may decrease the incidence of postpartum depression by up to 57%.
Only approximately 6% of births are attended by a doula nowadays. Families may need to plan to budget approximately $500-2,000 for the use of a doula- this generalities. In Brevard County, you will generally see between $800-1,500. However, as noted above, this money may be well spent to make your last trimester, labor and postpartum period go more smoothly. A doula is usually available to you in the weeks leading up to your labor, 24 hours a day around the time of your due date, and for support in the postpartum period. Most men question what a doula is and why they are worth it- but if you ask them postpartum, they will tell you it is the best money they ever spent!
In Summary:
Your Birth Doula is there to help support you and your birth dreams! We are hired by you and are only responsible for helping you through this process. We don’t have ties to any hospitals or anyone else paying us. Therefore, you can know that we will always have your goals and best interests at heart! We support you during end stage of pregnancy, during labor and through postpartum. Often times, we are only a text away if you have questions or need anything- and yes, that often includes us receiving photos of Mucus plugs and we are HERE FOR IT!
Your pregnancy, your labor, your birth and your family should feel loved and supported through this process. That is what we do!
If you have any questions- comment below or call/text us!
<3 The Recharged Performance Therapy Team
(321) 802-1630
paige@rechargedperformancetherapy.com
www.rechargedperformancetherapy.com
References
https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/
https://americanpregnancy.org/giving-birth/having-a-doula/
https://dona.org/benefits-of-a-doula/
https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378%2824%2900869-X/fulltext