By: Haley McNabb

Why should birthing people hire a doula? 

All birthing people deserve the support of a doula. From prenatal visits through postpartum care, the nurturing support of a Doula can help empower birth, deepen connections between birthing mama, partner and baby(ies), and improve birth outcomes. The continued support of a Doula can help you navigate information both during pregnancy and labor, advocate for you and your desired birth plan, and assist you and your partner with comfort measures and labor coping techniques. Whether you have a scheduled induction, spontaneous labor, or a scheduled cesarean, and regardless of where you’re planning to birth (home, freestanding birth center or hospital)  – you serve doula support!

Evidence of working with a doula shows:

• Better birth outcomes

• Lower cesarean rates

• Higher rates of positive birth experiences

And why is that?

Empowering Pregnancy Preparation

During pregnancy, your doula will help you learn your options during the perinatal period. The more informed you are, the more likely you will make decisions based on what is best for YOUR body, baby, and family. There is choice in the way you birth. Getting connected to vital and vetted resources (like chiropractic care, massage, birth education classes, lactation support, acupuncturist, etc) will also help inform your overall experience. Many doulas have strong relationships in the community to help you find the provider right for you! Continuity of care and collaboration with other providers can ensure you’re receiving the most well-rounded and supportive care.

Supportive Labor and Delivery Care

During labor a doula is your advocate and your cheerleader. She will make sure your desires are met and that you birth in the way that you choose to birth. She will provide continual support during active labor until you meet your baby including emotional support, coaching, position changes, movement, supporting partner (allowing them to rest, eat, etc), hands-on support to increase comfort, talking through next steps, advocating for options as needed, and holding space for birther to sink into their experience. Feeling safe and supported in the birthing space, helps birth to progress and limits additional or unwanted interventions.

How early/late can you hire a doula?

Many doulas book out months in advance –Reach out as soon as you know you’re interested in doula support so you have the ability to find the right doula for you. Occasionally doulas have last minute availability, as birth is unpredictable!

If moms are planning a C section, should they still hire a doula? 

Absolutely! A doula can help families learn their options and advocate during a belly-birth as well. Doulas come to the hospital and support families during surgery preparation, attend the birth (as hospitals permit), take photos, support nursing, and help parents settle in once baby is here.

How would you say you are different from other doulas?

There is a doula for everyone, and it is important to find the doula you connect with! We each have our own flair and a variety of experiences to bring to our clients. I love resourcing and empowering clients during pregnancy. I believe empowerment comes from knowledge and knowing your choices. From my background in wilderness guiding and teaching yoga, I know how to meet people at their edge, stay grounded and find forward motion. Birth is physical AND an incredibly emotional and mental journey. I meet my clients where they are at and provide the support they need in the moment. I am also a part of a team (Balanced Beginnings Doulas), so I know I have solid back up support if needed. Each birth is unique and requires tailored support. My ultimate goal, however, is that my clients feel empowered after bringing their baby into the world.

But don’t take it from me, here’s what mamas in our community are saying:

Want to know more about working with labor support?

Whether you’re ready to hire a doula or just learning your options- I would love to connect with you. Haley@soulbabybirthing.com