Why Should I Use a Doula?
Have you ever heard the words “doula” or “midwife” used interchangeably?
If this is your first pregnancy or first at-home birth, it is quite common to mistake these terms.
The two main things to know are that a doula can go with you anywhere on your pregnancy journey, and a midwife is necessary if you are considering having a home birth.
At Stork Helpers, we are a full-time doula business.
Mama, we want to journey with you and be the support you deserve during this chaotic and beautiful time of your life.
In this blog post, we will walk you through the difference between a midwife and a doula, the types of doulas, and the benefits a doula will have on your life during your pregnancy journey.
The Difference Between a Doula and a Midwife
Doulas are often confused with midwives', but there is a significant difference between the two of them.
At Stork Helpers, we work with midwives. However, their responsibilities during birth are different from ours.
A midwife is a healthcare professional with clinical expertise in providing medical care and interventions to support women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. They are trained and certified to provide medical exams, prenatal care, and assistance in labor and delivery.
Meanwhile, a doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to mamas before, during, and after childbirth.
Both roles offer continuous support and advocacy for Mama's choices and needs.
Types of Doulas
There are various kinds of doulas, including birth and postpartum doulas.
Birth Doulas:
Doulas are birth coaches aimed at taking pressure off families to know it all.
We are there to advocate for and empower mamas to have the experience they desire.
Doulas show families different avenues for birth and do not put themselves in a box.
Depending on when you select a doula during your pregnancy, a doula can be there for you in the months leading up to labor. They can help answer some of the "silly" non-medical questions that you do not want to bother your doctor with and help encourage you throughout your pregnancy.
Postpartum Doulas:
Postpartum Doulas help mamas & families in different ways once they are home after birth. It does not always have to be as soon as they come home either. Some families wait until their partner goes to work or their own families leave.
Postpartum doulas help make sure breastfeeding is going well and the family is adjusting to their new normal.
They can also come by just to sit and talk with mama and her partner, hold the baby while mama tends to other children, and take a shower or nap.
Postpartum doulas can also help watch the older kids to help them with the transition. Some postpartum doulas stay overnight so everyone can sleep.
Benefits of using a Doula
Working with a doula can provide numerous benefits for an expectant mama.
Below, we have outlined a list of noteworthy facts about birth doula expertise.
- A doula can lead to a reduced need for medical interventions, a more positive childbirth experience, and improved postpartum mental health for mamas. Their continuous support and guidance make them invaluable allies.
- When the big day arrives, studies have shown that having a doula as a part of the birth team decreases the overall cesarean rate by between 28 and 56%, depending on the study.
- 90% of mothers who have a cesarean wind up having another for subsequent births, even though vaginal births (VBAC) after cesareans are often safe options for 72% to 76% of women.
- Having a doula can also help shorten the length of labor by 25%, the use of Pitocin by 40%, and the request for an epidural by 60%. Doulas help achieve this by using touch and massage to lower anxiety during labor and stimulate natural estrogen.
- After birth, most birth doulas will stay a little while to make sure mama and baby are healthy. A doula will also stay to ensure the partner is doing great with the transition and families are updated.
Doula Support with Stork Helpers
Mama, doulas are experienced and knowledgeable pregnancy partners who can help comfort you and help you advocate for yourself as you navigate your pregnancy journey.
If you want to learn more about how you can advocate for yourself as a first-time mama, click here!
At Stork Helpers, we offer classes to help prepare you for birth, work with you to help you determine your preferences for the day of your baby's birth, serve as a guide throughout the pregnancy journey, and ensure that you are advocated for even during the most hectic moments during your pregnancy journey.
If you think a doula might benefit your family during your pregnancy journey, Tamara and Skylar from Stork Helpers are here for you!
We are your doulas, ready to advocate for you and your baby in Cincinnati and Dayton. Click here to reach out today!
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