Doula labor support provides physical touch, guided movement, and verbiage. There is SO much that goes into this, but in a nutshell a doula is here to help
support you,
educate you as desired about your laboring process and postpartum healing journey,
make you feel like you have your own silent (or not so silent) cheer squad,
be your breathing coach,
move you into various positions to help move your baby out of your body,
lower the possible tension in the room,
and to ultimately be your advocate throughout your birth, rest, and recovery.
Statistically a doula can provide birthing people a:
25% decrease in C-section births,
8% increase in spontaneous vaginal birth,
10% decrease in the use of medications
shorter labor on average of 41 minutes,
and a 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with your birth experience.
For many, hiring a doula allows them to have a peace of mind that they have a professional in the room to advocate for their desired birthing experience. As I doula I do not take this lightly as I have experienced and witnessed clients who have carried their birth story with them for years to come. Birth is powerful, life changing, and impacts you on both a emotional and physical level. You are not only birthing one individual, but two as (fun fact) the birthing person's brain is actually re-wired throughout pregnancy in preparation for parenthood.
All doulas offer different specialties and offerings so I encourage you to check out the offerings under the description of each doula via their website, your local birth network, or DoulaMatch.net. If you don't really feel like doing that, at least be prepared to talk on the phone or in person to your desired doula before hiring them. Ask their opinion on what your birth and postpartum goals. Gauge if their answer is what you are looking for in your labor support person. This is YOUR birth, not theirs.
If you would like to talk more about your labor and support options, please feel free to contact me directly, or to schedule your zero-commitment chat today at your convenience.
Here's to an empowered Birth, Rest, & Recovery,
Maria
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