Why Use a Doula?

EVIDENCE-BASED INFORMATION AND ADVOCACY

As a birth doula, I use my professional training, knowledge and experience to provide continuous emotional, physical and informational support to the birthing person and partner/support person before, during and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.

  • Assist with planning: help parents make informed choices based on what they value
  • Provide resources: connect families with additional resources and support
  • Facilitate: effective communication between families and healthcare team

~DONA International

Belly to Baby Birth Doula Benefits

Infographic Photo Credit – www.dona.org

belly to baby testimonials birth doula
We met Nicole at the local Caribou for a quick meet and greet and immediately started learning from her. My husband was relieved at the idea of having someone to look to for guidance during the heat of the moment and I felt encouraged that a natural delivery was something I could prepare for and achieve. We said goodbye, got in the car and immediately knew we needed to hire her… Both at home and at the birth center, Nicole played my relaxation music, used essential oils and coached me through my breathing and coping mechanisms, which helped everything go according to plan. In retrospect, Nicole helped us plan the birth we didn’t know we wanted. We couldn’t imagine our journey without her and recommend her fully.
Briana & Mark
belly to baby testimonials birth doula

What does support from a doula look like?

Birth doulas understand the physiological side of birth and recognize that birth is a natural process for a woman’s body.  I also recognize that birth is a monumental life experience that the family will remember all their life.  I provide insight and continuous, non-judgmental support to the birthing person and the partner/support person no matter what type of turn your birth takes – I create a calm and a relaxed environment, and encourage and guide the family throughout labor. Whether you are hoping for a natural birth (unmedicated/low intervention), waterbirth, vaginal birth after cesarean, or want support through interventions, an induction or a cesarean, I’m here for you.

  • Emotional support is given by recognizing the emotional needs of the birthing person from pregnancy through birth – I provide an objective viewpoint and listen to the birthing person/partner so they feel heard, valued and can make informed decisions.
  • Physical support is given by practicing coping measures and helping you and your partner during labor. I can make suggestions for labor progress with position changes/activities, practicing relaxation techniques (breathing and visualization techniques), light touch massage, and other techniques for comfort.
  • Informational support is given through evidence-based information.  This support includes providing assistance in creating birth preferences and advocating to help carry out these wishes during their birth.  I help educate my clients on current options/resources for childbirth education, birthing locations, prenatal and newborn care, and postpartum care such as resources on lactation/bottle-feeding, nutrition, sleep and mental health, etc. based on the client’s birth preferences and needs.
  • Support for the birth partner/support person is provided in all types of births. Many families have told me they want to hire a doula to make sure their partner is supported and knows what to do.  I work with the partner to improve the birth experience and provide reassurances, guidance and encouragement during the labor process (likely “normalizing” what is happening during labor and birth). I also remind the birth partner/support person of self-care for themselves and help them be involved in the labor as much as desired both physically and with decision making.

Here are a couple of common Q&A’s to help you in your doula search…

  1. Do I need a doula if I have a midwife? – Yes, doulas do not provide medical care or “deliver” your baby, however, we are there for you to provide continuous support before, during and immediately after childbirth.
  2. Should I have a doula even if I want to get an epidural? – Yes, doulas are beneficial in all types of birthing scenarios, whether having medication or not. A common misconception is that doulas are only for people who want a natural (unmedicated) birth.  Doulas are non-judgemental and help you advocate for your birth preferences, learn about all of your options and support you no matter what throughout the process.

Why is doula support valuable?

Continuous support by a doula helps ease/lighten any anxiety, fear or worry from the birthing person and/or partner/support person, and allows them to feel more empowered, confident, never alone, relaxed and in control of their own birth experience, which overall allows them to feel a more satisfying, positive birth experience.  Studies show that, “people who receive continuous support are more likely to have a normal vaginal birth and less likely to have pain medication, negative feelings about childbirth, and cesareans. In addition, their labors are shorter and their babies are less likely to have complications at birth or be admitted to a NICU.  In the studies, the best results occurred when the continuous support was provided by a trained doula – someone who was not a staff member at the hospital and not part of the birthing person’s social network.” – Evidence Based Birth®.

In addition, the notes, photos or videos that a doula often takes during the birth (with permission of the client) and then shares with the family during postpartum visits provide value and result in a more satisfying birth experience, as many moments may have been a blur to the family in the midst of labor.

The value of a doula is limitless and everyone on the birth team benefits with a doula on their team!

belly to baby testimonials birth doula
Nicole was the the perfect addition to our birth not only because she was caring, supportive and encouraging, but she is also a mother of twins! After the birth of our twins, Nicole was right by my side to keep me calm while my husband was able to be with the babies. She did a great job of communicating with my husband and he was so thankful to have her there. They made a great team! In addition to the actual birth, the prenatal conversations beforehand really helped to keep me calm leading up to the big day. During labor and birth, Nicole took incredible photos and videos that I will cherish forever. Thank you, Nicole, for making our birth experience so positive and memorable!
Nicole & Paul
belly to baby testimonials birth doula