3 Reasons Why You Need a Birth Doula.

Written By Scarlett Morrison

Doula.


You’ve likely heard the term before from a friend or family member. Maybe you knew what it was or maybe you had no idea.


In the simplest terms, a doula is someone who provides physical and emotional support throughout your birthing journey. This includes all phases: pregnancy, birth and postpartum.


I provide unwavering support as a doula to you and your family in Atlanta, Georgia and all surrounding areas within a 2 hour radius.


I do so by offering:

  • Physical support through labor and delivery

  • Emotional support

  • Educational support


These are the three main areas that my role as a doula consists of. I’m here for you in any capacity that you need!


1.) Doulas Offer Physical Support

Excitement is one of many emotions that flow through you when contractions begin. All you can think about is the end result - “I’m ready to meet my baby!”


But labor is a process.


For some women it is fast while others take more time.


Either way, you can benefit from having a doula at your side to offer you physical support.


According to a 2017 Cochrane Review Update - women who have a doula work with them are :

  • 39% less likely to have a cesarean delivery (also known as a C-section)

  • 35% less likely to have a negative birth experience

  • 15% more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth


As a birth doula I serve women within a 2 hour radius of the Atlanta area by offering them a calm environment. I also suggest techniques for breathing, relaxing, movement and positions that can help you progress through your labor. Applying warmth or cold and a soothing touch can also help you along.


Having a birth doula at your side can shorten your birth as I offer you guidance through the process.


2.) Emotional Support Throughout the Journey

Pregnancy can be a beautiful, but confusing journey.


A doula can help you understand more about your body and your baby’s changes. We are more readily available than your healthcare provider to answer your questions.


If medication free is your goal, I can help advocate for you.


With support from a birth doula, women are less likely to:

  • Have a negative birth experience

  • Take pain medication

  • Take regional pain medication such as an epidural or spinal

  • Need instrumental vaginal birth with forceps or vacuum extraction

  • Need a C-section

  • Have a low 5 minute Apgar score (this score is used to measure how well your baby is doing after being born)


As a birth doula I offer you continued support and stay by your side throughout the labor and delivery journey.


It may seem like a doula and a partner either overlap or are interchangeable. We aren’t! We bring different support to the table. While your partner knows you best, I can help advocate for the birth experience that you both want.


This can look like:

  • A reassuring presence

  • Offering words of encouragement and praise

  • Helping you relay what you want to the doctor

  • Seeing things more positively

  • Keeping both you and your partner calm


Not only am I there for you during labor, but also after.


Postpartum support is another huge step in your journey and is often referred to as the 4th trimester. Having a doula to talk to can help reduce postpartum mood disorders.


Research shows that parents who get support during postpartum benefit by:

  • Feeling more cared for and secure

  • Having more success in breastfeeding

  • Having higher confidence

  • Lowering the risk of postpartum depression


Depending on the offer you choose, we can continue to meet in person after delivery or I’m available through email, text, or phone call.


3.) Educational Support

While the first two reasons to hire a birth doula may seem obvious, this next one isn’t talked about as much.


I not only offer physical and emotional support — I also offer educational support.


I provide advice and knowledge before, during, and after your labor. I do this by:

  • Teaching breathing techniques

  • Showing helpful birth positions

  • Offering breastfeeding help

  • Talking through medical decisions


Sometimes when a doctor at the hospital suggests something, it can sound more like they’re telling you what to do. I’m here to help you make the best informed decision for you.


You and the baby are my number one priority.


If breastfeeding is something that you have your heart set on, I will be there to help guide you through it. Women who use a doula have more success breastfeeding.

Having a birth doula alongside you during your journey offers many benefits through physical, emotional, and educational support.


Here’s a recap of a few of those benefits:

  • 39% less likely to have a c section

  • 35% less likely to have a negative birth experience

  • 15% more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth

  • Less likely to Have a negative birth experience

  • Less likely to take pain medication

  • Helping you relay what you want to the doctor

  • Keeping both you and your partner calm

  • Teaching breathing techniques

  • Showing helpful birth positions

  • Offering breastfeeding help


Continuous labor support with a birth doula by your side is one of those rare health care practices. It has many benefits and no known harm! I believe every woman deserves to have the best birthing experience possible.


I’m there for you in each moment with a spirit of love and compassion.


If you are in a 2 hour radius of Atlanta, Georgia — I would love to hear from you! Whether you are Interested in just chatting, or would like to work with me as your birth doula, I’ll provide emotional, educational and physical support.


Scarlett Morrison https://www.strengthenedbygracebirth.com
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