Why would you want to have a Birth Doula?.....
If you ask us, the reasons are endless! But for your sanity, we will stick to what the How 2 Mom team has compiled as our Top 10! In no particular order, here are some of the best reasons to have a Doula as part of YOUR birth team!
1. We are there to walk with and beside you for as long and as much as you need the support.
At How 2 Mom, we visit with you TWICE prior to your labor for several hours each in the convenience of your home. During these visits, we establish a strong relationship so that when labor comes, we are a team who knows and trusts each other. Labor isn’t a walk in the park and we are there to support you from beginning to end! Not only do we provide several prenatal appointments, we also go on call several weeks prior to your estimated due date and several weeks following. This means that if you think your water may have broken at 2:30 AM, we are a mere text or call away! We are there to support and guide you 100% of the way. When that big day comes, we will be there for as much or as little of the labor as you prefer!
What to expect postpartum, never fear! We spend lots of time at the prenatal appointments discussing what that time may look like. We also come for one or several postpartum visits to check in and help support you during what we consider the Fourth Trimester. It is our hope that we build a lasting bond and you will feel comfortable reaching out to us through your entire parenting journey!
2. We have extensive knowledge of the birthing experience and prenatal/postpartum periods.
As Doulas, not only have many of us experienced birth first hand, but we also have studied and learned all about pregnancy, labor, and initial postpartum. Though we are NON-medical personnel, our brains are full of birth information. We want to make sure you completely understand your options and feel like you are able to make informed decisions through your entire labor experience. It is such a pivotal moment in your life and we want to make sure families recall the birth of their child as an intimate and empowered journey, rather than one they wish they could have changed or understood differently. It is our strong belief a mother should never look back on the birth of her child and feel like something happened TO her, but that she was able to make all decisions with a clear conscious.
3. We are passionate about what we do; We truly believe what you are experiencing is a miracle.
We will keep this one short and sweet. As Doulas, we don’t just SAY that birth is a miracle, it is something we feel deep in our bones. Being present to help you along your journey means the WORLD to us. Experiencing this day with you and your partner/family is a day we will remember for the rest of our lives. At How 2 Mom, we are a team of Doulas that feel we were called to do this work.
4. We work as a team- not only with your partner, but with each other and your medical team.
This day is all about YOU. We are also there to help facilitate a team-like environment. When more hands can come together and help a mama in whatever way she needs during labor, the better. We have lots of experience with working and communicating with all medical staff, and help in translating some of the medical terms to you and your partner.
5. We take some pressure off of your partner.
We are here not just to support you, but also your baby and partner. It’s a big day for them too and we tend to assume that partners should just instinctively know how to support a birthing person. We help give them the space and tools to digest their emotions and to support you. When looking back on your birth, we want you to remember your partner, not us! We provide the space, respect and tools to create a very intimate moment that can only happen in birth!
6. We offer UNBIASED support.
Your journey is just that, YOUR journey. There tends to be a big misconception when it comes to who hires a Birth Doula. We are not just for natural childbirth!
Whether you strongly feel you want a medicated birth, or want to pursue an unmedicated one; whether you want a room full of family, or just your partner…no matter what thoughts you have about your journey, we support you! This is the birth of your child, and as a Doula, we believe that it should happen however you want it to happen! Though birth can lead to unknown routes, we can help you navigate through them to achieve the best experience possible for your individual goals and beliefs! No matter your choices in birth, you deserve the support and to be treated as the queen that you are! We don’t get very many opportunities in motherhood to be treated as a goddess, so let this be one of them!
7. Labor and Delivery Statistics Support having a Doula as part of your team.
If you’re more of a stats person, #7 is for you 🙂 Having a Doula as a part of your team has actually been studied believe it or not!
- Decreased risk of unplanned Cesarean births
- Decreased use of ANY pain relief medications
- Shorter labor durations on average
- Decrease in the baby’s risk of a low Apgar score
- Decreased risk in being dissatisfied with the birth experience
Just to name a few!
8. We provide nourishment to keep you going through the intensity of labor.
At How 2 Mom, all of our Birth Professionals take health and wellness very seriously, especially in a time of great need. With our knowledge and experience in this area, we are able to incorporate it into your birth experience. We can talk you with during our prenatal appointments about safe, effective, and smart options for pregnancy and what will be most helpful during your labor. For example, energy-filled snacks, safe electrolyte drinks, effective essential oil use, and so much more. We also come to your birth fully prepared to keep you hydrated and nourished through our knowledge and support.
To learn more about why Health and Wellness is important to us, click here to learn more!
9. We help you prepare your birth plan and goals.
Did you see one of our most recent blogs about Birth Plans?! Click here to read more!
10. We hold your space sacred.
Last, but definitely not least, we hold your labor space sacred. This is one of life’s most miraculous gifts and the moments leading up to and immediately after your child is born will be seared into your memory forever. It is SO important to us as Doulas that your space be treated with the upmost importance and respect.
Sounds amazing, right?!?!
Maybe after reading this blog, you are now interested in hiring a Birth Doula. Get to know our team to see if we would be the right fit for YOU!
Still confused as to what it is we do?
Take a minute to read this blog post where we explain just that!
Much Love,
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