5 Reasons Why Doulas Are Worth It

If you are expecting or have delivered a baby, it is natural to ask yourself whether hiring a doula is worth it. Primarily the reasoning behind this question is because expecting mothers/ postpartum moms somewhat feel that they already have a support system in place, be it their spouse, parent, sister, or friend. As a result, they may feel that the cost of hiring a doula may not be worth it. But in assuming that, you may be inhibiting yourself from experiencing an unbiased, evidence based, nurtured, and magically supported labor and postpartum period. Here are 5 reasons why doulas are worth it.

1. The majority of doulas are trained and experienced professionals in the birth and postpartum field. Although currently doulas are not required to obtain a license to practice, the majority of them choose to be trained and certified through organization such as DONA International and CAPPA. Several education and experience requirements have to be met in order to become certified as a birth or postpartum doula through these organizations. When interviewing your doula, it’s more than welcome to ask questions regarding their training and experience. You will come to learn that many doulas have been practicing for years and just have a love for supporting mothers, babies, and their families.
2. A doula will provide you evidence based education. Although well-meaning, depending on family members or friends to be your main support could result in unwelcomed opinions and advice that may do more harm than good. Part of the job of the doula is to prepare you well before labor, delivery, and postpartum with education that has been established and proven. In educating you, now you are able to make decisions that will benefit the health outcome of both you and your baby.
3. A doula will be your advocate. An advocate is a person that supports or recommends a particular cause. A doula will not speak on your behalf but she or he will facilitate communication between you and your healthcare provider to make sure that your concerns and expectations are understood. Whether you are delivering at a hospital or homebirth, the doula will support and encourage you to ask questions. They will also explain options so that you can make the best decision for yourself and your baby.
4. A doula will remain unbiased. When I was in labor with my second child, my goal was to have an unmedicated vaginal birth. Four hours into my labor at the hospital, I was at a crossroad because I was not handling the contractions as well as I thought I would. However, I was still gun hoe about not getting any sort of pain medication or epidural. But my husband, well-meaning of course, seeing me in such agony made the decision for me and asked that I be given the epidural. He could not separate his feelings and see my agony as a means to a goal, which was of having my son naturally without any pain intervention. A doula will remain unbiased and not allow their feelings to cloud their judgement. But rather they will follow your lead and honor your wishes.
5. Lastly, a doula will provide endless benefits. Research has shown that utilizing a birth doula can minimize the need for interventions such as the use of Pitocin to induce labor contractions. You are less likely to use pain medication and you are also less likely to have a cesarean birth. Additionally, you are more likely to rate your birth experience as a positive one. Utilizing a postpartum doula has its benefits as well. You are less likely to suffer from postpartum depression and anxiety. You will have an extra pair of hands to assist you with your newborn so that you can get some needed rest. And If you choose to breastfeed, postpartum doulas are trained to support you in that area so that you may have a great start to your breastfeeding journey. Additionally, support will not just be for mom but also for the whole family as you transition into life with a newborn. Sounds like a win win situation.

So enclosing, if you are asking yourself the question “is a doula worth it?” Give yourself the opportunity to at least meet and interview a few doulas before deciding no. You may just find that a doula is more than worth it to you; it’s invaluable.

If you are in the Atlanta area and are pondering hiring a doula, send us a message through contact us. We’d be happy to be of service.