What Does a Doulas Do? Facts and Myths
When it comes to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, the role of a doula often sparks curiosity and sometimes misconceptions. So, what exactly does a doula do, and how can we support you during this transformative journey? Let’s dive into the facts and debunk some common myths.
What is a doula?
A doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional and informational support to families before, during and after childbirth. Doulas are not medical professionals but are an integral part of the birth team. We work alongside healthcare providers to ensure that the birthing person feels empowered, informed and cared for.
Facts about Doulas
Emotional Support
Doulas provide continuous emotional support tailored to your needs. Whether it’s words of encouragement during labor or a listening ear during postpartum, our goal is to make you feel heard and understood.
2: Physical Support
During labor, doulas can help with comfort measures like massage, breathing techniques, and positioning to manage pain and facilitate progress.
3. Information Support
Doulas provide evidence- based information to help you make informed decisions. From creating a birth plan to understanding newborn care, our guidance is rooted in your goals and values.
4: Advocacy
While doulas don’t speak for you, we can help you voice your preferences and ensure your concerns are addressed by your care team.
5. Postpartum
Postpartum doulas assist families after birth with newborn care, location support, meal preparation, and emotional reassurance, helping to ease the transition into parenthood.
Common Myths About Doulas
Myth 1:Doulas only support Natural Births
Fact: Doulas support all types of births, whether it’s unmedicated, medicated, induced, or c-section. Our role is to support your choices, whatever they may be.
Myth 2: Doulas Replace Partners
Fact: A doula enhances that role of a partner by offering guidance and ensuring they feel confident and involved. We work as a team to support the birthing person.
Myth 3: Doulas Make Medical Decisions
Fact: Doulas do not provide medical care or make decisions for you. Instead, we offer information and tools to help you make your own choices.
Myth 4: Only Wealthy People Hire Doulas
Facts: Doulas services are becoming more accessible, with sliding scale fees, community programs, and some insurance plans covering our services. (Ohio medicaid covers doula services)👏
Myth 5: Doulas Judge Your Choices
Facts: Doulas we are non-judgemental, non-bias professionals who support you in making decisions that align with your values and needs.
Why Hire a Doula?
Research shows that having a doula can lead to better birth outcomes, including:
Lower rates of interventions like epidurals and c-sections
Shorter labor durations
Higher satisfaction with the birth experience.
Increased success in breastfeeding.
Doulas are more than just birth professionals; we are advocates, guides, and companions during one of the most profound experiences of your life. By separating fact from fiction, families can better understand how a doula can help make pregnancy, birth, and postpartum a more empowered and supported journey.
If you’re considering hiring a doula, let’s connect! I offer services as a labor doula, postpartum doula, and soon childbirth educator, tailored to meet your unique needs.
Have questions? Let’s talk!
Email: karissa@doulasofempowerment.com
Text/Call: (606)407-7724
