What is a Birth Doula?

What is a Birth Doula?

You just saw those two little lines appear on your pregnancy test. So many emotions can start to flood in, whether this was planned, a surprise, your first, or your 10th pregnancy. So many unknowns and emotions can come about from now through at least the next year. Many of us probably start googling recommended care providers, baby registry must-haves, what’s happening to our bodies, and so much more as this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Birth Doulas Help from Pregancy to Birth and Beyond

Did you know there is a person who can help you navigate all of these unknowns and help you become even more prepared and educated on your options? That’s right, she is your birth
doula!
A birth doula is a woman you can hire who will support you throughout your entire pregnancy, birth, and even into the immediate postpartum periods. A birth doula offers support
in many ways, from emotional and physical support to education and advocacy support. Having a supportive birth team is crucial to a positive birth experience, and doulas are a key part of this team. They can help you find an OB-GYN or midwife who will support your goals for your labor
and delivery as well. Pregnancy is filled with many unknowns, but doulas can help support you emotionally and be a comfort to you physically with pain-coping techniques, stretches, and more.

Doulas Keep You Informed and Help You Plan

A doula can also provide you with education, information, and resources so you can make informed decisions throughout your pregnancy and birth. While making informed decisions your doula can help you curate your ideal birth plan as well as a backup plan, because let’s be real, birth rarely goes exactly as planned. Hiring your doula should be one of
the first big steps when you find out you are expecting. With her help, you are so much closer to having the pregnancy and birth you desire!

Story by Tayler Morrison for BlueWaterParent.com.

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All content of BlueWaterParent.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.