A doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support to help you achieve the most satisfying birthing experience possible. They are trained professionals who provide emotional, physical and informational support to help you have the best possible birthing experience.

Continue reading if you are considering hiring a Doula or want to learn more about the work of a Doula. You’ll learn everything you need about doulas below, including their cost and the benefits of having one.

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Doulas vs. midwives: What is the difference?

A doula is not the same as a midwife. They have different roles to play during your labour and delivery.

A midwife, for example, is a medically-trained nurse with experience in childbirth. They will not only monitor your labor and assist in the delivery of your baby, they can also help you decide on whether to use medication. Doulas, on the other hand, are not medically-trained professionals but can offer emotional and physical support.

A midwife is qualified to perform medical tasks such as checking vital signs and cervical dilation. She can also deliver a child and provide emergency care if needed, says Kristin M. Mallon, C.N.M. M.S. R.N.C. O.B. a board certified midwife and former doula. Many midwives [may also] assist surgeons during a cesarean delivery. Doulas are primarily present to provide emotional support for laboring patients and do not perform any medical care.

What is the difference between a Doula & an OB/GYN?

OB-GYNs are medical professionals who are both obstetricians and gynecologists. They treat reproductive disorders and care for women and their babies throughout pregnancy and childbirth. A doula is not a substitute for medical professionals or medical care.

Doulas provide emotional and physical assistance to parents-to-be, alongside medical staff, says Lauren Elliott M.A. M.H.F.A. a maternal mental-health advocate and the founder and CEO at Candlelit Care. This digital clinic trains doulas in postpartum mood disorders and changes. “Doulas are also able to support any birth plan – whether it’s an unmedicated birth or one that involves medical interventions.”

Doula or Midwife? What are the differences and how to choose

Doula services during pregnancy and postpartum

A doula will be at your side to offer comfort, encouragement and support during labour and delivery. They may help you with breathing exercises or relaxation techniques, or offer advice on labor positions.

Mallon says that doulas play a vital role in any team involved in labor and delivery, particularly for those patients giving birth for the very first time. “They do not perform any medical duties, but rather focus on the mental and emotional state of the patient during labor.” They focus on physical and emotional comfort, as well as encouraging mental fortitude.

During labor and delivery

Elliott says that a doula is your advocate for birth and acts as a liaison between you and the birthing team. They stay with you to offer comfort and support, use massage and touch, help you find comfortable positions and make sure your preferences are respected by the medical team.

She adds that they can also help with non-medical care such as creating an individualized birth plan, and advocating for your needs during labor and in the immediate postpartum phase.

Doulas ensure that your wishes are respected and may even improve the birth outcome by reducing medical interventions. Doulas also play a key role in the management of pain by offering comforts like massages, cold or hot packs, and breathing techniques.

Elliott says that people who use a doula for childbirth use less pain medicine and are more satisfied with the birthing experience.

Postpartum Period

Doulas can be incredibly valuable not only during labor and delivery, but also after the birth of your baby. When you hire a doula for postpartum, she will be there to support you and your family in the weeks and months immediately following your baby’s birth, according to Lieselteen, B.S.N.

Teen says that the doula’s primary role is to provide physical and emotional assistance to the mother. The exact role of a doula after a birth can vary from person to person, depending on the specific needs at that moment. For example, they may provide emotional support and physical assistance, soothe an infant, or help bonding. Doulas are also able to help with basic newborn care and breastfeeding, says Elliot.

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What are the pros and cons of using a Doula?

It’s important to weigh both the pros and cons of hiring a doula when deciding if she is the right choice for you. The pros and cons of hiring doulas are listed below.

The Pros of Hiring a Doula

Doulas are not only a source of support, empowerment and comfort, but research shows that expecting parents have better outcomes at birth when they choose to hire a doula, according to Vanessa M. Safie. She is a certified birth-doula (D.T.I. ).

She adds that “Statistically speaking, using a doula can lead to better birth outcomes.” These include reducing the length of labor, lowering the chances of having a cesarean and lowering the need for augmentation.

Researchers believe that the communication with the doula, as well as their encouragement throughout pregnancy, may have caused these positive outcomes. Researchers believe the communication and encouragement of the doula during pregnancy may have contributed to these positive outcomes. 3

They also had 57.5% lower odds of postpartum depression or anxiety. There was also a 57.5% reduction in the likelihood of experiencing postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety.

Cons of using a Doula

Cost and availability are two potential drawbacks when it comes to hiring doulas. Finding a doula that is compatible with both the medical staff as well as the parent-to be can also prove to be difficult. Discuss the possibility of hiring a doula in advance with your doctor. Some doctors may be worried that a professional will interfere with their care.

A doula’s biggest con is that you may not get along with her once you are in labor. Teen advises that this is best avoided by meeting your doula multiple times during pregnancy to make sure your personalities click. The last thing you’d want is to discover in the middle or labor that you and your doula don’t click.

What Does a Doula cost?

The fee for a doula will vary depending on where you reside and the experience of the doula. Safie says that the cost can also vary depending on whether they are employed by an agency, or work independently, or whether you hire one or more doulas.

Elliott states that doulas charge, on average, between $300 and $5,000 per birth. However, prices can vary depending on the client’s needs. Remember that many insurance companies won’t cover the cost of hiring a doula. A parent-to be decides on this for themselves to ensure they get the support they want in the delivery room.

Where Can You Find Doulas?

You may have a variety of options depending on where you reside. In other places, you may only find a few doulas. Safie says that word-of-mouth is the best way to find a doula, especially if you have a family member or friend who had a positive experience.

She says that there is a directory known as DoulaMatch where doulas can be found by price, location, and availability. Sometimes your pregnancy care providers will also have recommendations for doulas.

DONA International is a doula certification agency. You can also try Birthworks International, or the National Black Doulas Association.

How Do You Choose A Doula

It’s important to think about the kind of person that you want at your side, and whether they can meet your needs for birthing. Elliott says that a doula who is good should be able put themselves in the shoes of a woman going through labor.

She adds, “They should also have a strong feeling of empathy.” “[And] If you are a mother of color, make sure that your doula has cultural competence to advocate for your needs in front of your medical team.”

Make sure your doula is properly trained and has been through a reputable training program. Although doulas are not required to be certified in order to assist with births, it is wise to find someone who has been both certified and familiar with different types of births.

You want someone who is compassionate, with whom you can connect and who will also be able to articulate your goals regarding your birth. Safie says that finding your doula is like breathing a big sigh. When you speak with them, they should help you feel safe and heard. You should be comfortable with sharing space for a little while, and your partner should also feel like they can take direction from them.

How to Hire a Postpartum Doula

Doulas: Questions to ask

Ask about the doula’s experience (including special training and certifications), availability to answer questions both before and after labor, their ability and willingness to assist you in achieving a successful delivery, and their backup arrangements if for some reason they are unable to attend.

Latham Thomas is a New York City-based maternity lifestyle expert, labor support doula, and the founder of Mama Glow. She recommends asking these questions:

• What motivated you to choose this career?
• What qualifications do you have?
• How many births and how long have you worked as a doula?
• Which birthing centers, hospitals, or home births did you attend?
• When will I be able to contact you? Do you have a 24-hour emergency number? When and where are you coming?
• Do you have backups if you’re not available when I give birth?
• What is your philosophy about childbirth? Make sure that your preferences for birth are compatible with those of the doula.
• What methods will you use to assist me through my labor?
• How long will I be with you after the birth?
• What happens if you need to have a C-section during your pregnancy?
• Do you offer postpartum services to parents? Have you ever helped nursing parents?
• What is your refund and fee policy? What is covered?

Thomas says that doulas are not meant to be imposing their opinions on you. Their job is to help you achieve your vision, in the best way possible, under the circumstances. After all, it’s a party.