Doulas Are Trending for New Moms to Be - Is This Trend Here to Stay?

If you're a parent-to-be or are planning to become one, you might have heard about doulas and their rapid rise in popularity. However, despite people using doulas now more than ever, not everyone knows what they do. So, we'll break it down here and show you why they're worth it.

How Does a Birth Doula Differ from Certified Nurse Midwives

A delivery nurse or midwife will perform medical procedures to ensure a safe, positive birth experience, including issuing pain medication and medical intervention. However, most doulas are not medical professionals. So, they won't give professional medical advice.

However, doulas are available for physical and emotional support before, during, and after the birth process. When pregnant women hire a doula early in their pregnancy, they might receive childbirth education, birth center recommendations, and moral support through the ups and downs of pregnancy. If you find the right doula, you might even receive physical support through massage during contractions.

Doulas also communicate with you, your family members, and the delivery team. They ensure you reach your due date with as little stress as possible. They'll coach you on all your potential birth outcomes, and educate your relatives to ease their minds.

Lastly, doulas connect with the people bringing your baby into the world so that they handle things to your preferences.

Why Has Hiring a Doula Become So Popular?

Even though many doulas don't have medical training, they do a lot for expectant parents that make their lives easier during the pregnancy. Doulas provide continuous support through stressful moments, and reminders and labor support tips during confusing ones. They also have physical comfort during a grueling drug-free birth.

Pregnancy can be nine months of overwhelming stress and anticipation when you go at it alone. However, when you hire a doula, you'll have a pregnancy expert in your corner to keep your emotions in check.

Benefits of Having Doula Support Before and During Birth

·       Easier natural birth: Labor is difficult no matter how you approach it. While natural labor is a natural and rewarding experience, it's often the most challenging. However, doulas know how to physically support women during their natural labor to make the process more calming and smooth.

·       Tips for first-time parents: You can read all the baby books you want. But if you're a first-time parent, there's no way to fully prepare for your pregnancy and child unless you speak to a trained professional. Doulas are those trained professionals, so they'll educate you on everything you need to know for successful parenthood.

·       Support for the whole family: A pregnant woman needs as much help as possible during the pregnancy. However, that doesn't mean it's also not a stressful time for the rest of the family. A doula can send emotional comfort to everyone affected by the upcoming birth, ensuring everyone knows that the expecting mother and child are safe.

What Is a Postpartum Doula?

A postpartum doula is similar to a standard one but handles the aftermath of the birth rather than the preparation before it. Emotions and stress run high in the weeks after pregnancy. Therefore, a postpartum professional will coach you through the tumultuous time.

Northeast Ohioans are fortunate to have experienced doulas available to support them every step of the birthing process and the postpartum period.