Why I Hired a Doula

I have shared on Instagram stories a couple of times now that not only was I thinking of using a birth doula for my labor & delivery this summer, but that I decided to move forward with it!  So I wanted to share here the basic reasons of why I hired a doula and answer some of the questions that you all have sent over to me!

Why I Hired a Doula

I don’t really remember what exactly sparked the idea for me…I think it was probably because I was listening to some pregnancy podcasts and reading different books on expecting and it just spoke in general of how there are better outcomes (less epidural and c-section rates) for women that use a birth doula.  I was not sure at that time if I wanted an epidural or not (despite everyone saying “just get the epidural!”) and I remember when I initially met Melissa I told her I was definitely open to it if I decided I needed it, but thought I might want to try to go unmedicated.  And that hasn’t really changed but the more I read and learn, the more I just feel confident that as women our bodies are made to give birth and at this point at least, my goal is to have a natural birth.

*side note– I feel totally vulnerable saying this knowing so many things are out of my control and not knowing what to expect with labor, and that if for some reason I don’t have a natural birth that I’ve failed. But I wanted to give myself enough grace and take the pressure off knowing that it’s fine whatever happens so long as I have a healthy baby at the end.  So I hope you’ll extend that grace to me as well 🙂

I know so many different factors come into giving birth and that everyone’s birth experience is different, and I’m in no way trying to say that I think an unmedicated birth is any better than one with an epidural.  I’m not trying to do it to get a notch in my belt or be able to brag about it, I just am feeling really compelled that it’s the right thing for me.  Again, I may totally change my mind during the delivery but I’m just trying to really work on my mind-body connection, listen to encouraging natural birth stories and stay positive about it all. I do think our society really dramatizes birth on TV and in movies…what with all the screaming and what not.  From what I’ve read and learned it’s totally possible to have a very peaceful birth.  That’s not to say pain-free, but peaceful…enjoyable even.  So that’s just sort of what I hope to achieve.  And I believe having a birth doula will greater my chances of being able to do it!

I am working with Melissa from Birthing Elements.  Like I mentioned earlier, we met at first to chat about everything over tea at Amelie’s and I just really felt at ease with her immediately.  I am really big on the vibes I get from people and how I think I connect with them, so I really felt good about our first meeting and hired her shortly thereafter.  You may be wondering how I found Melissa!  Well, at one of my prenatal appointments, I asked my Obstetrician if she had any recommendations for doulas because I was considering using one.  She sent me over Melissa’s name and told me she came highly recommended.  A doula with a stamp of approval from my OB sounded great to me!  She already has a great rapport with the labor & delivery staff at the hospital and knows them well, so that was another added layer of comfort for me.

Other Benefits of Hiring a Birth Doula

Just in general, there are so many positives to hiring a birth doula.  Here’s what the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has to say about it: “Published data indicate that one of the most effective tools to improve labor and delivery outcomes is the continuous presence of support personnel, such as a doula. Given that there are no associated measurable harms, this resource is probably underutilized.” I really liked the idea of having someone there with me every moment to help with labor pains and pain management and also to help Craig help me. That’s another reason why Melissa was a great fit for us, because she supports both of us, not just me.  She’s not there to take Craig’s place but to help us both have the most positive experience possible.

I’m currently reading Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, and in it she says “Quite simply, hiring [a doula] cuts in half the odds of your having an unnecessary cesarean and halves the odds of having a forceps or vacuum-extractor delivery.”  That’s not all… “Having a doula also shortens labor by greatly reducing stress, pain, and anxiety.”  I do recommend that book if you are thinking of an unmedicated birth…I will say, I find it a little crunchy 😉 lol.  But overall it’s great to read such encouraging birth stories and learn more just about what our bodies are designed to do without any intervention.

Our First Meeting

Craig & I had our first meeting with Melissa in our home last week and it was great.  We are just getting the ball rolling and started just with discussing how we are feeling, how things have been going, what our expectations are, and asking any questions we had at that time.  Melissa also left me with a little “homework” of some things to work on, including relaxation techniques, visualization techniques, breathing techniques, vocalization techniques, and affirmations.  I plan to come up with an affirmation or mantra to keep in my mind during labor so I’m working on that now and what I want it to be!

We are set to have two more meetings with Melissa in our home and then I basically can contact her when I need and can text or call her pretty much anytime.  It’s nice to be able to just text someone questions!!  So far I can already say it has been a really great experience and I’m already feeling just really relaxed about the birth and having her guidance and support.

So that’s pretty much my plan for so far and I just wanted to be open about with my entire experience from start to finish.  I hope this post has helped answer some questions about why I hired a doula.  I plan to share some follow up posts on how she prepares me for labor & delivery and more! If you have any questions about it at all, feel free to leave them here or email me!

xo,

Bess