Considering Birth Doula Support for Your Upcoming Birth? Here is What You Need to Know.

Are you planning for an upcoming birth? Debating whether to hire a birth doula? You’re not alone! Every pregnancy, labor, and birth can be different. Each experience can unfold in unique ways, no matter how many children you’ve had. While many women assume they don’t need extra support because they have family and medical providers, a doula can be one of the most underrated members of your support team.

What Does a Doula Do?

A doula provides educational, emotional, physical, and spiritual support to expecting families—not just the birthing parent. This comprehensive approach helps create a positive birth experience, tailored to your needs and wishes. Doulas offer evidence-based information, which is crucial for making informed decisions throughout your journey.

What the Evidence Says

A recent study (1) reviewing literature from 2000 to 2022 analyzed 16 research studies on the impact of doula support during pregnancy and labor. The findings are promising:

• Positive Delivery Outcomes: Women with doula support experienced lower rates of cesarean deliveries, premature births, and low birth weight babies. These outcomes contribute to healthier moms and babies, a critical aspect of improving birth experiences in our communities.
• Emotional Support: The emotional backing provided by doulas significantly decreases anxiety and stress levels. This support is especially valuable during challenging prenatal periods, complicated labors, or when making difficult decisions.
• Breastfeeding Success: Doulas also improve breastfeeding outcomes, including quicker milk transitions and longer-term breastfeeding success, particularly among low-income families.

Remarkably, no research has identified negative impacts associated with having doula support during pregnancy and birth. However, it’s worth noting that more attention is needed on how doulas can better serve low-income families, who often face the highest risks for negative birth outcomes.

Why You Might Want a Doula

While every birth experience is unique, having an extra support person can be invaluable. Doulas advocate for your needs and preferences, which can significantly enhance your satisfaction with the pregnancy and birth experience. Whether you’re planning a home birth, a birth center, a vaginal birth in a hospital, or a cesarean delivery, there are doulas available to support you through every possible scenario.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, having a doula is about ensuring that you feel supported, informed, and empowered throughout your journey. As you plan for your upcoming birth, consider the benefits that doula support can bring. It might just be the key to a more positive experience.

(1) Sobczak, A. (2023). The Effect of Doulas on Maternal and Birth Outcomes: A Scoping Review. Cureus, 15(5), e39451. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10292163/