7. Home Visits
Many doulas include home visits before and after your birth to help prepare and support you as you adjust to life with a newborn. Often times you will start labor at home with your doula by your side before heading into the hospital.
8. Less Chance Of A C-Section
Research from The American Journal of Public Health shows that having the support of a doula during your labor can decrease the chance of having a cesarean section by 40%. It’s not secret that cesareans are very painful and most women would choose a vaginal birth if given the choice. Hiring a double will put the odds in your favor.
9. Breast Feeding Support
Your doula will be available after the birth to help your baby establish a good latch give you confidence as you start your breast feeding journey. Breastfeeding is said to be natural, but in the end it’s very challenging, tiring and can be painful. Having the extra help of a doula will go long way.
10. Advice
Although a doula is not be there to make decisions for you, they will offer their knowledge and support to help you make an educated decision on what is best for your birth. They will talk you through decisions each step of the way, and will work as an interpreter as much of the hospital terminology can be difficult to understand. Basically, if you have a questions or worried, they will be there to set you at ease.
If you have thought about hiring a doula, a lot of times it’s as simple as asking around to find out who other moms recommend, but you can also easily find a certified doula in your area but searching online at DONA or the Find a Doula search engine.