Once, not too long ago, pregnant women were surrounded by older and wise female family members who could help guide and support them through pregnancy and childbirth. Now many women find themselves isolated from that guidance and support, by either distance or reduced family size. Doulas have moved in to fill that gap.
A doula can be thought of a little like a midwife who is more focused on you rather than your baby. As a matter of fact, many doulas are trained midwives. Doulas are there to be your support and guidance through pregnancy and birth. She is very knowledgeable about pregnancy, pain management techniques and she will be up to date on the latest developments in what’s best for you and your baby. She is there to emotionally support you. She is who you can call at two AM with that twinge that you aren’t quite sure is labor or not.
In the past few decades, the medical realm has started to come back around to treating pregnancy as a natural condition rather than a medical illness. With these changes, fathers are being allowed into be present in labor rooms to support their loved one and to witness the birth of their child. This is great, but the main problem is that most men don’t have a clue how to support their significant other during the process of labor, especially if this is the couple’s first child.
Doulas can also help teach your husband or significant other how to support and help you while you are giving birth. A doula will also help educate you on your childbirth choices. She will not be judgmental and you are not required to give birth naturally if you choose to hire a doula. Keep in mind that if you choose to have an epidural, the hospital most likely will not administer the epidural until you are at least four centimeters, maybe even longer. A doula can help with pain management prior to the epidural and then provide support though the rest of your painless, but nonetheless frightening labor.
Doulas can also be hired for postpartum services. They can be hired to help clean your house, help care for your new baby and to answer any questions you may have after your baby has arrived.
The cost of a doula can range from a few hundred dollars to a somewhere around a thousand dollars depending on what services you hire her for and what part of the country you live in. Most insurance companies do not yet cover the cost of a doula, although doulas and doula advocates are working to change that. It has been shown that the presence of a doula can reduce the need for c-sections, pain medications and complications which can lead to higher medical bills.
Finding a doula is easier than you think. Many modern obstetricians these days have the name of one or two good doulas that they would recommend. You can also visit www.dona.org (Doulas of North America) to find one in your area.
A doula can make a big difference in whether you have a good birth experience or a bad one. At least all first time mothers should consider hiring a doula for their pregnancy and birth, but any pregnant woman would benefit from the services of a doula.