Why Hire a Doula?
Benefits of Having a Birth Doula:
Reduced rates of interventions, caesarian sections, and complications
Less requests of pain medications
Shorter births
Support in drafting your birth plan
Increased awareness and education of labor & birth process
Increased confidence, clarity and empowerment in choice making
Increased trust in self, partner, support team, medical, nurse or midwifery team
Less stress, fear, anxiety, feelings of aloneness, uncertainty or doubt
Reduced rate of postpartum depression
Increased bonding with parents and baby
Increased rate of having a positive and empowered birth experience
Benefits of Having a Postpartum Doula:
Increased ease in transition home with a newborn
An extra pair of hands to tend to the home & the baby
Higher success rate in breastfeeding
Reduced rate of postpartum depression
Quicker recovery for the birthing family
Increased bonding with parents and baby
More rest, relaxation and comfort for the birthing parent
Informational support, access and referrals to local resources
Greater relief and pressure from the partner, family and friends
Help setting up meal train or ways for your family or community to support
Massage and restorative touch
Nourishing and nutritional home-cooked meals
Overnight support
Help with general housekeeping, laundry, small errands, and home-tending
Recommended Resources:
American Pregnancy Association: Having a Doula, Is a Doula for Me?
The Natural Pregnancy Book, Romm
Natural Health After Birth, Aviva Jill Romm
The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother, Ou, Greeven, & Belger
Reproductive Justice, Ross & Solinger
The Doulas: Radical Care for Pregnant People, Mahoney & Mitchell
Podcast: The Birth Hour
The Power of Plants: Herbal Medicine for the Birthing Body, article by Adi Aboody via Brilliant Births