What Is The Doula and Why You Should Hire One To Support Your Pregnancy and Birth
Although some may think of this vocation as new, the concept and role of a doula has existed for centuries, in many cultures, with various names. The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek language and means "female servant" or "woman who serves”. Historically, women were the one’s who provided support during pregnancy and childbirth, whether it was through the help of family, friends, or a designated birth attendant. Male counterparts were rarely involve if even near the birthing room. Eventually that changed and our society and culture was somehow brainwashed to believe that white cis men were the one’s with the knowledge and understanding of childbirth. But that is a story for another day and a fight that is still relevant today.
Birth work and having a doula can be important for several reasons and have been proven to have greater birth outcomes and over birth satisfaction. Birth work refers to the various professionals who support women and their families during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods. These may include midwives, doulas, obstetricians, and nurses, among others. Birth workers can provide emotional and physical support, education, advocacy, and guidance to help women have positive birth experiences and improve outcomes.
WHAT IS A DOULA
Having a doula, specifically, has been shown to have many benefits for both the pregnant person and their families. What is a doula? A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to pregnant individuals and their families throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
Today, doulas work alongside medical professionals to provide a holistic approach to care that emphasizes the individual needs and preferences of the pregnant person and their family. The use of doulas has gained popularity in recent years, with more and more pregnant people seeking out this type of support. Part of the current buzz around having a doula stems from the growing body of research showing the positive impact on the birthing experience and outcome.
BENEFITS
The benefits of having a doula have been well-documented in numerous studies, with research showing that having a doula present during labor and delivery can:
Reduce risk of cesarean section
Studies have shown that having a doula present during labor and delivery can reduce the risk of having a cesarean section by up to 25%.
Shorter labor
Research has shown that women who have a doula present during labor and delivery have, on average, shorter labors than those who do not have a doula.
Less need for pain medication
Studies have found that women who have a doula present during labor and delivery are less likely to use pain medication during labor.
Increase satisfaction with the birth experience
Women who have a doula present during labor and delivery report higher levels of satisfaction with their birth experience than those who do not have a doula.
Lower rates of postpartum depression
Research has shown that women who have a doula present during labor and delivery are less likely to experience postpartum depression.
Improve breastfeeding outcomes
Studies have found that women who have a doula present during labor and delivery are more likely to initiate breastfeeding and to continue breastfeeding for a longer period of time.
Emotional support
Doulas provide emotional support to both the pregnant individual and their partner or support person. They can help the couple to navigate the emotional ups and downs of pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and can provide a calming presence during what can be a stressful and overwhelming time.
Improve Communication
Doulas can also help to improve communication between pregnant individuals and their healthcare providers. By providing information and advocating for the individual's wishes and preferences, doulas can help to ensure that the individual feels heard and supported throughout the birth process.
Overall, the evidence suggests that doula support can have a range of benefits for pregnant individuals and their families. By providing continuous emotional, physical, and informational support, doulas can help to promote a positive and empowering birth experience and improve maternal and infant outcomes. While a doula may not be the right choice for everyone, those who are looking for extra support and advocacy during their birth journey may find a doula to be a valuable resource.
INVESTMENT
While doula services are not typically covered by insurance, some studies have suggested that doula support can be cost-effective. For example, a study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that Medicaid programs that covered doula services had lower rates of preterm birth and cesarean section, and helped with saving compared to programs that did not cover such services.
The cost of doula services can vary depending on various factors, including the geographical location, experience and training of the doula, the specific services offered, and the duration of support. In general, the cost of doula services can range from around $500 to $2000 or more.
It's important to note that doula services may be offered in different packages or tiers, which can affect the pricing. Some doulas may offer basic packages that include a limited number of prenatal visits, continuous support during labor and birth, and a postpartum visit. Other doulas may provide more comprehensive packages that include additional services such as prenatal education classes, breastfeeding support, or extended postpartum support.
Additionally, some doulas offer sliding-scale fees or payment plans to accommodate different budgets. It's recommended to discuss the specific pricing and services with individual doulas in your area to get a better understanding of their fees and what is included in their services.
It's also worth noting that in some cases, doula services may be covered partially or fully by insurance or other healthcare plans. It's recommended to check with your insurance provider to inquire about any potential coverage for doula services.
Remember, the cost of doula services should be considered in relation to the value and benefits they provide. Doulas can offer valuable emotional support, advocacy, and education throughout the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period, which can contribute to a positive and empowering birth experience.
ALLORA BIRTH SUPPORT
Holistic health and wellness is at the core of the ALLORA mission and philosophy. By incorporating mindfulness and stress management tools such as yoga, meditation, sound therapy, breathing techniques, etc., we apply this holistic approach to the birth work world and incorporate these services into our birth support packages so that we can truly support the birthing person and their family. Not only do we support by educating and empowering parents about birth and the birthing process, but we prepare and strengthen the mind, the physical body, and the soul for this profound and life changing experience. We treat birth as a portal ushering one or more souls earth side knowing that babies aren’t the only ones being born at birth, but parents too.
We would love to chat with you about our birth packages and offering. If this sounds like something you are interested in, please don’t hesitate to reach out! You can see fill our our birth inquiry form here: https://www.allorahealthandwellness.com/birth-work
Other Information:
ALLORA BIRTH PACKAGES
Sources:
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