Doula: Where's the value?
- Dr. Mama Bird - Dr. Alex Pankoke, DC
- Apr 5, 2023
- 1 min read
If you were told that a drug would be unethical to NOT use it, would you use it?
What if this same thought process applied to having a doula? The answer is YES!
What is a doula anyway?
A doula is a non-clinical, professionally-trained person who supports the birthing person in several ways during pregnancy, labor, birth, and early postpartum.
The support is wide-ranging and includes:
💗 Answering questions after a doctor’s visit
💗 Being a sounding board as you process emotions and fears
💗 Providing information and resources about the birthing process (above and beyond your care provider)
💗 Providing physical and emotional comfort support during labor and through the birth
💗 Helping you find your voice during labor when you are unsure
💗 Staying with you continuously until your baby is born
💗 Helping you get started with breastfeeding
💗 The person who will help you process your birth afterwards
💗 Not to mention the support a doula provides the partner. 💗 The doula does not replace the partner but rather enhances their ability to support you in the ways you need.
There is no person who can replace a doula...not a friend, sister, aunt, mom, spouse. They are valuable beyond measure.
In addition to what I listed above, continuous support from a doula has many benefits:
💗 Lower risk of cesarean birth
💗 Lower risk of unnecessary interventions (induction, epidural, pitocin)
💗 Lower risk of vacuum/forceps delivery
💗 Increased rate of vaginal birth
💗 Increased overall satisfaction with experience
A doula is not for every person. But every person deserves a doula!
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