Doulas: Your Birth Best Friend

A decade ago, doulas were hardly talked about or utilized in the United States. Since 2013, their popularity has grown so much that doulas being present at births has increased from 6% to nearly 20%. What has contributed to this impressive growth? Studies have proven the positive effects of having a doula present and more women are recognizing the value of having this extra support and care during their birthing experience. But what is a doula exactly and what kinds of services do they offer? Let’s take an in-depth look at doulas and how they impact pregnancy and labor so you can decide if hiring a doula is the right choice for you.

What Is A Doula?

A doula is a trained, professional labor assistant who provides physical, mental, and emotional support to you and your partner during your pregnancy, labor and delivery, and possibly postpartum. During your pregnancy, doulas act as a sounding board for questions and concerns and will help to encourage and embolden you as you prepare for birth.

What Services Do Doulas Offer?

Sometimes doulas help you to write a birth plan by informing you of all of the options you’ll be presented with in labor and delivery so that you can decide which ones are best for you. They then will serve as your advocate and ensure that your voice is heard and your desires are met by the other providers. Doulas also help implement comfort measures, such as counter pressure, massage, and assistance with breathing techniques. In many cases, having a doula present has been found to reduce labor time, anxiety, lower the number of medical interventions needed, and improve mother-baby bonding postpartum.

Doula Packages and Costs

Usually doulas meet with their clients anywhere from 2-4 times in pregnancy and then they are present for the birth. How often you’ll meet with your doula is dependent on who you choose and what kinds of packages they offer. Some will offer a standard package including how often you’ll meet and what you can expect from them and others will have multiple packages that include varying services or increased numbers of visits. For example, some doulas include postpartum visits and others do not, so if that is important to you, find someone who offers what you need. Doulas are also generally on call for you throughout your pregnancy, meaning that if you have any questions for them, you can reach out to them at any time and expect a prompt response. 

Where you live and the services you are wanting from your doula can cause the price point to vary, so research the doulas in your area and see which ones are in your budget. Most doulas offer a free consultation so meet with as many as you can to find the one who is the best fit for you. They are going to be coming alongside you in one of the hardest and most intimate moments of your life, so you want someone that you trust and feel a connection with.

Doulas may be an extra expense and seem like a frivolous add-on to your birth experience, but their services and presence can be invaluable. I’ve worked alongside some amazing doulas and seen firsthand the difference they make in the birth room, so I highly suggest looking into finding one who can offer that extra bit of support, assistance, knowledge, and care to your birth.