We have all seen the endless baby registry suggestions, overflowing presents at baby showers, and must-have baby products that fill the home of new parents, but lately the conversation has also included things like prenatal massages, baby care classes, and, of course, DOULAS! While there are some store-bought essentials that make the transition to parenthood much smoother, there are some great things that can help mothers prepare for a safe and healthy birth that can't be found on a store shelf. One of those things can certainly be a doula! Doulas are trained birth professionals that provide physical, spiritual, and emotional support during pregnancy, birth, and the early post-partum period. Now, many families have a fabulous established support system including partners, parents, siblings, etc, and can't seem to see where a doula would enhance an already amazing group....but that's when doulas work best!!
As doulas, we've "been there, done that." We provide information to families as they navigate all the changes that occur as a family grows. Whether providing referrals for a fabulous prenatal massage, or suggestions on a comfortable infant carrier, or maybe accompanying to a prenatal appointment, doulas can offer many things. As non-medical support, we can be the one to answer a phone call about how to prepare for a breastfeeding relationship, what birth locations may honor your birth preferences, or just to talk about how things are going during your pregnancy. Many of us are active in our local birth communities and can guide parents to helpful resources to best meet their needs. It's a pretty amazing role!
Doulas, in the traditional sense, are labor companions. Mothers invite us to witness their sacred experience of birth. We provide comfort measures to help mothers reach their individual preferences. Pleasing scents, enjoyable music, massage, and companionship is beneficial during labor. Doulas value has been shown a various studies, but some of the most amazing benefits include: shorter labors with fewer complications or interventions, positive view of the mother's birth experience, lower Cesarean birth rates, and better breastfeeding success. Each of these values are hard to measure but can have a significant impact on any family.
So, as you put together your budget for baby needs, include a line for your doula, and get things off to a great start!
As doulas, we've "been there, done that." We provide information to families as they navigate all the changes that occur as a family grows. Whether providing referrals for a fabulous prenatal massage, or suggestions on a comfortable infant carrier, or maybe accompanying to a prenatal appointment, doulas can offer many things. As non-medical support, we can be the one to answer a phone call about how to prepare for a breastfeeding relationship, what birth locations may honor your birth preferences, or just to talk about how things are going during your pregnancy. Many of us are active in our local birth communities and can guide parents to helpful resources to best meet their needs. It's a pretty amazing role!
Doulas, in the traditional sense, are labor companions. Mothers invite us to witness their sacred experience of birth. We provide comfort measures to help mothers reach their individual preferences. Pleasing scents, enjoyable music, massage, and companionship is beneficial during labor. Doulas value has been shown a various studies, but some of the most amazing benefits include: shorter labors with fewer complications or interventions, positive view of the mother's birth experience, lower Cesarean birth rates, and better breastfeeding success. Each of these values are hard to measure but can have a significant impact on any family.
So, as you put together your budget for baby needs, include a line for your doula, and get things off to a great start!
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