Childbirth is one of life’s most sacred rites of passage. When facing this experience, especially for the first time, we encourage our mamas to gather all the information and support they need to make it an experience where they feel truly honored and comfortable. While your spouse or partner will likely provide as much of this support as they possibly can, let’s face it, they’ve probably been to about as many births as you- not that many. Traditionally laboring women were always surrounded by other women, and here in San Francisco we are lucky to have an abundance of incredibly knowledgeable women who train for years just to support other laboring women. These doulas can be your voice, your ally, your comfort during this journey. From shorter labors to healthier babies, studies support a wide range of benefits when doulas are present during pregnancy and birth. Here are just a few reasons why we love doulas.
1. A doula will offer suggestions and advice without telling you what to do.
Women are given a lot of information regarding what they can, can’t, should, and shouldn’t do during their pregnancies. And with information coming from so many directions it’s common to find others’ agendas placed before that of the mother’s agenda. A doula’s purpose is to empower other women to find their own voice and follow what feels right to them. She will share her knowledge and make suggestions based solely on the needs of you and your family. After all, pregnancy is a very personal experience and having someone who understands you as an individual can enhance this experience.
2. Doulas promote and assist with communication between mother and those involved with delivery.
During labor, it may be difficult to communicate your feelings and concerns to your doctor, partner, and other medical staff. A doula will help with positive and effective communication to ensure that your experience is as satisfying as possible.
3. Having one-on-one support during labor has been shown to produce numerous benefits.
It’s difficult to be sure just what your labor experience will be like and how you will connect to those in the room during delivery. A doula provides continuos support throughout the process with attention directed solely towards you. As a result, labor time is often shorter and pain medication and c-sections are less commonly used.
4. Doulas not only offer support to expectant mothers, but to their partners as well.
A doula is really there to support the two of you. Rather than taking the place of your partner, a doula complements that role and picks up where your partner leaves off.
5. A doula may increase the chance of successful and comfortable breast-feeding.
For many new mothers, this step can be a frustrating and discouraging one. However, doulas are there to provide their guidance and support and often result in higher success rate with breastfeeding than those who do not have a doula.
6. Doulas promote better bonding between both parents and child.
7. Having a doula decreases your chances of experiencing postpartum depression.
Doulas are available pre-birth and postpartum and… they come to you! Support in your very own home where we find you need it the most.
As we mentioned before, your choices and preferences during your pregnancy and labor are personal to what you are comfortable with. Mama Lounge recognizes the critical need for women to feel both supported and confident throughout this incredible experience. If you feel that a doula will help you in achieving this, we do have a couple of women in the San Francisco area that we love and recommend. Get to know them here!
