What are some reasons a mom and partner would hire a doula?
I asked some of my mama’s why they did and here are their responses:
Hello all Mommies and future Moms, The main reason I chose to hire a doula at first is that my husband was in the Marine Corps and was stationed about 2500 miles away from any of my family. On the off chance that their flights didn’t make it in time, or Heaven forbid my husband should rapidly deploy I wanted a person who knew about labor and deliveries to be there with me.
My husband knew this, but I was unsure where to find one as I was in an unfamiliar place with few resources on how to get one. That’s when the most miraculous thing happened, My birth angel AKA my doula Katy who was a fellow marine wife introduced her self to my hubby and asked if we would be interested in her services.
I was ecstatic! I of course said yes. But after meeting Katy, she was not what I expected, she did no pushing to sway my birthing plan, She helped to teach my hubby what to expect, and she gave us access to any education we were inquiring about the labor and delivery and after care of a child. I had Preeclampsia and had to be induced, I was very nervous about this as that was not in my plans. Katy calmed me down and we discussed what options I still had and she reminded me that it was ok if the plan changed a little. The day came that we went to the hospital for the induction. Katy came to my house before to help me get ready. She then helped to position, distract, and even continue to educate during my labor. It was an intense 30+ hrs of induction and was nothing like I had imagined.
After taking my daughter out she was not breathing well, so she went to the NICU. I was so scared and then Katy whispered in my ear that it would be ok and she had prayed for my daughter.
After we got home the care didn’t stop there, she checked in on me quiet a few times and has since been full of education and tips to try. I would want a doula on our second child as well because they really do help make labor bearable and will remind you to advocate for yourself, which if any of you have ever been in labor you would know you are not in your normal state of mind. Katy shared what was and is one of the best moments of my life. So why hire a doula, you might ask? It’s simple she is everything you need.
I would hire a doula for many reasons. My first would be for emotional support. Having a baby with no medication requires a different kind of patience.
Having someone to remind you of your goal and the plan you set for your childbirth does wonders.
My second reason would be for guidance of different relaxation techniques. When the contractions get tough to get through you have some one to help you find techniques that work for your pain. My third reason would be to have someone help you advocate for yourself and help stay as close to your birth plan as possible given there are no extenuating circumstances. Hiring a doula goes beyond what you will pay.
The moment of your child’s birth is something you will never forget and having someone in your corner before during and after is priceless.
I would hire a doula because of the support and knowledge she can offer the family and I. She takes time to make sure mother and family understand what is about to happen. She checks on everyone involved and makes sure all are comfortable. Not only is she a doula she becomes a dear friend.
So I chose to hire a doula 1 for comfort. Having someone there other than my mom who “understands” 2. To have the ability to make my own choice with my labor, not having to be pressured into something or being too afraid to question what was going on. I’d ask you and you’d figure it out for me lol.
3. Support. Pregnancy labor and postpartum I knew whatever I was dealing with you had my back and were concerned about me and my son.
4. After having a doula I have actually been researching the thought of becoming a doula myself, I knew I wanted to stay in the Obstetrics field but now I feel I have more of a direction to look.
These are just some of the reasons moms choose to hire a doula. Whats your reason?
~Katy Schmidt
The Nurturing Doula, LLC
thenurturingdoula@hotmail.com
805-791-8325
facebook.com/KSThe.Nurturing.Doula
The Nurturing Doula, LLC 