Embarking on the journey of welcoming a new life is like setting sail on an adventure, and having the right support can make all the difference. Meet the doula—a skilled guide who is trained to support families with a blend of emotional, physical, and informational support throughout the pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum journey. In this blog post, we’re about to explore how expectant parents can enhance the birth experience through hiring a doula, covering their role, the shared scope of practice, collaborative efforts with healthcare providers, and the evidence-backed reasons to consider adding a doula to your birth team. 

What is a Doula?

A doula is not just your typical sidekick; they are the Sam to your Frodo, the Batman to your Gotham.  Trained and compassionate, they stand by expectant families before, during, and after childbirth, armed with emotional support, physical wizardry, and a treasure trove of valuable information.

Think of a doula as your collaborative partner in crafting a birthing experience that resonates with your values. They’re here to share in the journey, offering resources, evidence based information, comfort measures, pain management insights, continuous support during labor,  and even assisting with breastfeeding and newborn care.

Doulas are like the anchor to calm within your birth space, advocating for your preferences, offering reassurance, and supporting a birthing experience that aligns with your unique vision.

So let’s explore the role of a doula. Picture your doula as the trusted co-pilot on your birth journey—an experienced navigator guiding you through the twists and turns. Think of them as your experienced travel companion, ensuring you have a smooth and personalized ride. Offering comfort measures, pain management insights, and continuous support during labor, and there to share the load and support you and your partner through this journey.  Need a change of scenery or a comforting touch? Your doula is like the co-navigator suggesting alternative routes for a more relaxed trip. And when it comes to understanding your preferences, they’re not heroes swooping in to save the day; rather, think of them as your attentive travel agents, supporting the birthing experience aligns with your unique vision.

Doula care is its harmonious dance with other healthcare providers.

Doulas respect the expertise of care providers while focusing on the emotional and physical well-being of the mother. It’s a collaborative waltz, with doulas working to understand the mother’s birth plan and preferences. By ensuring everyone is in sync, doulas contribute to a supportive and informed approach to childbirth.

“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.”

Dr. Kennell – Pediatrician

Evidence-Based Benefits of Collaborating with a Doula:

• Reduced Rates of Medical Interventions:
  • Studies have consistently shown that birthing people supported by doulas during childbirth often experience lower rates of medical interventions, including epidurals, cesarean sections, and the use of forceps or vacuum extraction (Hodnett et al., 2013).
• Shorter Labor Durations:
  • Research indicates that the presence of a doula may be associated with shorter labor durations, contributing to a more efficient birthing process (Bohren et al., 2017).
• Improved Maternal Satisfaction:
  • Mothers who have the support of a doula report higher levels of satisfaction with their childbirth experience. This increased satisfaction is linked to feeling more empowered, in control, and supported during labor (Hodnett et al., 2013).
• Enhanced Breastfeeding Success:
  • Doulas provide valuable assistance with breastfeeding and newborn care. Studies suggest that mothers who receive doula support are more likely to initiate and continue breastfeeding successfully (Renfrew et al., 2012).
• Decreased Likelihood of Postpartum Depression:
  • Some studies indicate that having continuous support from a doula is associated with a decreased likelihood of postpartum depression in mothers (Nommsen-Rivers et al., 2009).
• Positive Impact on Fetal Health:
  • Continuous support during labor, as provided by doulas, has been associated with improved fetal outcomes, including higher Apgar scores and a reduced likelihood of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (Bohren et al., 2017).
• Increased Parent-Infant Bonding:
  • The emotional support and guidance offered by doulas have been linked to increased parent-infant bonding, promoting a positive start to the parent-child relationship (Gruber et al., 2013).
• Lower Perceived Pain:
  • Women supported by doulas often report lower perceived pain during labor, potentially contributing to a more positive birthing experience (Hodnett et al., 2013).
• Higher Rates of Vaginal Birth after Cesarean (VBAC):
  • For women attempting a VBAC, having a doula’s support has been associated with increased success rates, possibly due to the emotional and informational support provided (Landon et al., 2004).
• Positive Impact on Partner’s Experience:
  • Doulas not only support the birthing person but also play a positive role in the partner’s experience, promoting teamwork and shared involvement during childbirth (Klaus et al., 1992).

In the grand experience of childbirth, a doula is your connected guide to navigating this exciting and vulnerable time,  offering a level of personal support that isn’t a component of traditional medical care.

From creating an anchor to a calm birthing environment to, providing evidence based information in real time, the support of a doula can be an extremely beneficial addition to your birth team. The evidence-base benefits underscore the invaluable role collaborative doulas play in enhancing maternal satisfaction, reducing interventions, and contributing to positive birth outcomes. As you embark on this transformative journey, consider the  support of a doula for your next birthing day party!