Doulas are professionals educated in childbirth, pregnancy, and postpartum, including lactation, pumping, formula, and safe infant feeding. Doulas have been proven to reduce the amount of interventions in birth, including emergency C sections, and mothers who use a doula report higher levels of satisfaction regarding their birth and have lower rates of postpartum depression and anxiety.
"But I want to get an epidural/have a C section. Should I still have a doula?"
Absolutely! I firmly believe every woman needs a doula. Did you know that epidurals don't always work? A doula can assist you with other pain relief techniques that don't involve medication, and can advocate for you and assist you with position changes. In case of an emergency C section, a doula will stay at your side and help calm and inform you of what is happening, ensuring informed consent, and lessening any trauma. They will also be there if baby goes to the NICU and your partner goes to be with the baby.
"I want to exclusively pump/formula feed/combo feed."
Awesome! A doula can help you by washing pump parts and bottles, and can help by educating on safe formula and pumped milk feeding.
"I'm not a touchy person/I have experienced physical trauma. I don't like to be touched. How would a doula help me?"
Doulas are trained on various traumas and will follow your lead. You do not have to be touched against your wishes, and a doula will help communicate that to hospital staff and ensure your labor is peaceful and free of any triggers to the best of their ability. They can also help you by talking you through procedures and big feelings during labor.
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