Benefits of a Doula
When it comes to planning for your baby during pregnancy, there are lots of things to consider. There’s completing your registry and decorating the nursery but have you considered planning for your labor and delivery? You may have heard the term “Birth Doula” floating around as you research and prepare for your big day and it is normal to be a little unclear on just what the benefits of having a Birth Doula are. Let’s touch base on the details of what a Birth Doula is and why you would want one.
What is a Doula?
A Doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional and informational support to expecting parents before, during and after the birth. Doulas support all kinds of labor from hospital birth to home birth and planned cesarean.
What does a Doula do?
A Doula provides continuous hands-on physical comfort techniques, support and encouragement during labor. Your Doula works with you throughout your pregnancy to get to know you, and what your hopes are for your birthing experience. They are a continuous resource while you are pregnant to help you advocate for yourself, navigate the choices you have to make, and listen to your worries and concerns. It’s like having a built-in Birth Buddy that is trained and experienced in the process of Labor, Birth and Postpartum care.
What are the benefits of having a Doula?
A top benefit of having a birth Doula is access to continuity of care. Doctors, midwives and nurses change shifts but your Doula will be alongside you every step of the way.
Studies show that presence of a Doula during labor:
1. shortens labor length
2. lowers the rate of medical intervention, including C-sections
3. improves birth experiences
4. and positively affects new families postpartum.
If you are local to Charlottesville VA make sure to check out Molly Duncan's website! She is a local birth and postpartum doula.
You can also get to know Molly at Women In Motion during our prenatal yoga series. She teaches a regular 4 week yoga series specializing in preparing your body for birth.
Learn more about our in person Prenatal Yoga Series:
This blog was written by Molly Duncan. She is a birth and postpartum doula, and prenatal yoga expert.
