Why Do I Need a Doula?

This is the first blog in a series I'm dubbing the "Start Here" series. This series is going to contain nuggets and tidbits of what it looks like to feel fully supported, educated, and empowered for your labor, birth, and postpartum- and it will most likely be ongoing for the rest of forever.

But to get us really started, why do you need a doula?

Are you pregnant? Than the answer is yes you do! Because I, the doula, said so.

But I suppose, if you don't just want to take my word for it, here's some science that also supports my claim:

This Chocrane study published in 2017 looking at over 15,800 women in 17 different countries, found continuous labor support resulted in:

• More spontaneous vaginal births.

• Shorter labors with fewer interventions, including less c-sections

• Women were less likely to report negatives feelings in regards to their birth experiences.

This one reported fewer preterm births.

And this one and this one highlights the positive impacts having an educated doula improves breastfeeding outcomes.

But this one points to a future where integrating doulas into a modern birth system can reduce maternal death and other negative maternal health outcomes.

So the science is wise on doulas providing continuous support during labor to create more positive birth outcomes. Lower c-section rates, preterm birth, and negative maternal health impacts? Come on now! This is good stuff!

Think of having a doula as just another tool in your tool box to help keep you and your baby safe. Your doula is another compassionate body ready to help you parse through pregnancy questions, encourage you to treat your body well prior to birth, and a helpful hand to guide you through each contraction. Looking for postpartum and breastfeeding help too? Most doulas do that too!

A doula is responsive, thoughtful, and knowledgeable about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Your doula does not override your OB or midwife, but partners with them, advocating for your desires and helping you stay the course on your birth plan.

When you have someone who is in your corner, highly responsive, and unabashedly supporting your birth goals (partnering with you and your birth team), it's no doubt studies are showing increased numbers of positive birth outcomes.

So here’s your invitation: reach out, ask questions, dream big about your birth, and let’s explore what support could look like for you. Your story matters, and I’d be honored to be part of it.