Support You Can Count On: Why Having a Doula Matters
Pregnancy, labor and delivery are life-changing experiences. Every woman’s journey to
motherhood is deeply unique and personal. Whether you are pregnant with your first baby,
adding another to your growing family, or are pregnant after loss, a doula can make all the
difference in your birthing experience.
What Is a Doula and How Can They Support You?
A doula (trained professional who provides continuous, non-medical support before, during, and after childbirth) plays a critical role in offering emotional reassurance, physical comfort and evidence-based education while empowering individuals to make informed decisions and advocate for themselves. Their support contributes not only to
improved birth outcomes but also to a more positive and satisfying birth experience. A doula can be your sense of calm through chaos and bring extra comfort for you and your support person(s).
Emotional Support During Pregnancy and Birth
One of the key roles a doula plays is providing emotional support throughout the
perinatal period. The journey to parenthood can be filled with a mix of emotions due to physical and psychological changes, as well as the fear of the unknown or sense of decreased control.
Doulas help reduce stress by offering a consistent and compassionate presence without
judgement. They may also have suggestions on books, audio clips or videos on mindfulness
and meditation. Studies show that continuous emotional support during labor is associated with higher satisfaction and lower anxiety levels (Bohren et al., 2017). By listening without judgement and encouraging confidence, doulas help women feel seen, heard and emotionally safe.
How Doulas Provide Physical Support During Labor and Delivery
In addition to emotional support, doulas offer essential physical support during labor and
delivery. This includes techniques such as gentle massage, breathing exercises, position
changes, and use of tools like birthing balls to ease discomfort and promote labor progression.
Physical support from a doula has been linked to shorter labors, decreased need for pain
medication, and lower rates of cesarean delivery (Kozhimannil et al., 2013). This hands-on care allows birthing individuals to feel more comfortable and in control of their bodies during labor.
Education, Resources, and Advocacy for Families
Doulas also play a pivotal role in providing education and connecting families to
resources, fostering a sense of empowerment, and advocacy. They help parents understand
their options for childbirth, breastfeeding and postpartum care. Education is provided parallel to encouraging informed choices aligned with the parent’s values.
Doulas can translate medical information and facilitate communication between families and healthcare providers. This type of advocacy and knowledge sharing increases autonomy and can lead to better health outcomes (Gruber et al., 2013). Through education, doulas help build confidence and promote self-advocacy during a highly vulnerable time.
In conclusion, doulas serve as an invaluable addition to the birthing team during
pregnancy, labor and postpartum by providing emotional comfort, physical support and
education. Their presence helps reduce stress, enhance physical well-being and empowers
families to advocate for the birth experiences they desire. A doula also helps to prepare for
unforeseen circumstances and how to make decisions within their control. Every woman
deserves this kind of unconditional support.
This information was provided by Rachel Gottschalk, a local doula offering birth and postpartum support for families in our area. You can follow along with her work at The FED Doulas: Feeding, encapsulation and doula services or reach her via email at rachelthefeddoula@gmail.com.
