According to several studies, it has been concluded that having a doula at your birth can have a significant, positive impact on the outcome and how you feel after birth. The statistics show that having a doula reduces the risk of c-section, use of pain medication, and the length of labor. They also show that having a doula increases the chances of a spontaneous vaginal birth, satisfaction with the birth experience, and it also increase the chances of your baby receiving better APGAR scores in the first 5 minutes after birth.
I could give you actual numbers and figures, but what does that all really mean?
What difference does it really make if you hire a doula?
Fortunately, the difference usually starts before you make it to your birth space. Your doula is like your personal concierge for pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period. Your doula is readily available to provide practical information and resources for every phase and stage you’re in from the moment you hire her, even making house calls for your prenatal visits.
Your doula will listen to you. Doulas are passionate about birth and would love to not only answer all of your questions, but also talk about the latest trends or most popular baby gear to make those first few days and weeks easier.
When you hire a doula, there is always someone you can call who won’t think any of your questions or concerns are silly or invalid. Understanding what is important to you, she can help you develop a plan for labor and birth that you can discuss with your health care provider. Having everyone on the team in alignment with your wishes can help make for a less stressful environment once entering the birth space.
Even with a great support team (including your partner and care provider) and a realistic plan, there can still be uncertainty. You can find comfort in knowing you can call her to talk through any uneasiness or anxiety. She will be a constant source of strength and stability as you begin the labor process and journey through it.
Basically, here’s the doula difference. Even with the support of our family and friends, the journey of pregnancy, labor, and birth can feel like a scary road at different times for various reasons. Having a doula on your team gives you the assurance that you never feel alone. Her training and experience helps her be and constant presence emotionally and physically, when the time comes. Your doula is always a phone call, text message, or prenatal meeting away during pregnancy and right by your side during labor.
She may not carry a magic carpet bag like Mary Poppins, but if you allow her, through a word, a touch, or maybe just a look, she will have and be what you need exactly when you need it, and it will make all the difference in the world.
North Atlanta Concierge Doula Services offers both birth and postpartum packages to support you through your pregnancy and parenting journey. If you are ready to experience the doula difference, contact us to set up your consultation today! You and your partner don't have to figure this out on your own.
Comments