And how do they help you achieve your birth goals?
Maybe you have never heard the word “doula” or maybe you have, but have no idea what one is. Next thing you know, you’re too embarrassed to ask. Don’t worry, that’s what this article is for. I will explain what a doula is and and why you might want to hire one.
What is a birth doula?
The most basic description of birth doula is someone attends your birth in order to support you and your family. In reality, a birth doula is so much more then that! When someone hires me as a birth doula, they are getting
- 2 birth coaching sessions to go over everything they want in their birth, how to achieve their birth goals, fears and worries, and anything else that the parents want to discuss
- Someone to answer their questions, even the most embarrassing ones
- Lots of education about the local birth locations and how to set up the birthing space in a way that will set the parents up for success
- A birth workbook and postpartum planner to help the parents understand what to plan for and work on making choices they feel good about
- Help writing their birth plan
- Continuous physical (such as hip squeezes, hand holding, and position changes), emotional (such as encouragement, and holding space) and educational (such as explaining what is happening during labor) support during their labor and delivery
- Support after birth by providing resources and information
It is so much more then just supporting your birth.
Why would I hire a birth doula?
There are a lot of reasons people choose to hire birth doulas. Sometimes it is because the birthing person is alone and wants support. Sometimes it is because they have a particular goal (such as a natural birth or hypno birth) in mind and want special support to achieve their goal. I have even be called in because the partner is very anxious and needs extra support that the birthing person can’t provide (because they are busy birthing a baby!). There are many different reasons and each of them is valid.
What is it like having a birth doula?
Having a birth doula is like having your very own coach to help you train for game day. We have the inside knowledge of the local birth spots as well as the education to set you up for success. We also provide a calm presence in the the birthing space that helps to set the tone for everyone else. Here is what one dad said:
“As a first-time father, I did not fully appreciate how a birth experience would go. Keigha was able to help me stay in the experience, offering my wife and me reassuring and practical guidance. She was calm and shared her knowledge, letting me lay aside my worries. Most importantly, she helped me comfort my wife with perfectly timed advice. When my wife went into intense contractions, she took the time to express that no matter how scary this was, it was normal and expected, and I was doing what was needed for my wife and baby. Words that still resonate with me each time I reflect on that day. I honestly can’t imagine what that day would have been like without her.”
How do you find a birth doula?
Birth doulas are usually easy to find. You can just look them up online like any other business. If you want someone to recommend one, just ask around! Ask your midwife, best friend who shares your birthing philosophy or your pregnancy and birth class instructor.
If you are in the Tacoma area and are interested in working with a birth doula, check out my website HERE.
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