4 Reasons To Consider Hiring A Doula

by Gaetane Joseph

Congratulations: You’re expecting! Now what? You research health care providers, hospitals, childbirth classes, and even baby names. You anticipate all that comes along with being pregnant: nausea, loss of appetite, weight gain, and a growing glowing belly. You have a checklist of the must-haves that will get you through pregnancy and birth. What about a very important part of pregnancy and birth that was not mentioned? Amongst the must have things that were mentioned have you thought about hiring a Doula. “A do-what?” you ask?

A Doula is a trained and experienced labor companion who provides the woman and her partner with continuous emotional support, physical comfort, and assistance in obtaining information before, during, and after childbirth. In addition to your doctor or midwife, a Doula is here to provide support to both the laboring mother and family. As a Doula we are by the laboring mothers’ side all throughout labor (alongside your doctor or nurse).

Recent studies have found that having a Doula at your birth:

• tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
• reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
• reduces the need for Pitocin, forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans
• reduces the mother’s request for pain medication andor epidurals

When thinking of hiring a Doula, make sure to interview them as you would your health care provider. Since your Doula will be by your side through such a precious experience, you should want to have a connection with one another. Keep in mind you would want to make sure your birth wishes are respected and honored by the Doula you hire. As a Doula, we are trained to serve a laboring mother and her family. I believe no expectant mother should go without support during labor. You can find Doulas in your area on sites such as www.doulamatch.com and www.dona.org amongst many others. I urge you to experience the benefits of having a Doula for yourself.

Gaetane Joseph, founder of Seeds of Mommy Soul, is a Birth Doula and Certified Lactation Counselor serving the Tampa Bay area. She is the mother of 3 vivacious kids who keep her busy enjoying the beauty of parenthood.