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What is a doula? -

A doula is a trained professional who helps parents in the run-up to the birth, during labor, and after it, based on what is required. Doulas can also help with postnatal support once parents return home with their baby. 

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The history of doulas -

The idea of having a companion providing support to the birthing process dates back to prehistoric times. However, the contemporary use of a doula emerged during the natural birth movement in the United States in the 1960s.

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What is another word for a doula? -

A birth doula is also called a birth companion, nonclinical birth worker, birthing coach, or post-birth supporter.

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What do doulas do? -

Doulas provide practical and emotional support throughout pregnancy, labor, and birth. 

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Support your birth plan -

Doulas will support you no matter how you plan to give birth, whether it's a home birth or a planned cesarean birth.

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Get to know you and your partner -

A doula will meet you when you are pregnant and spend time getting to know you and your partner. 

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Answer questions and concerns -

A doula will discuss any questions or concerns during your pregnancy and help you with your birth plan.

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One-to-one support -

A doula will provide one-to-one support during labor and reassure you throughout.

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Postpartum doulas -

After delivery, a doula can support the other parent, teach siblings how to help out, and provide emotional support to you and your family.

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Support with feeding -

Postpartum doulas can help with breastfeeding education and assist with bottle feeding.

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Talking through concerns and worries -

A postpartum doula can talk through any concerns or worries you may have as a new parent.

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What are the benefits of having a doula? -

Research suggests that people who have continuous support in labor and birth are less likely to have an assisted birth, a cesarean section, and pain relief.

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What are the benefits of having a doula? -

Some people want someone around who they know and trust during labor. A doula can be your only birth partner or form part of your birth team.

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Continuity of care -

As doulas usually get to know the soon-to-be parent during pregnancy, the continuity of care may mean a lot as you may not see the same doctor or midwife during antenatal appointments.

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Advocating during labor and birth -

A doula can advocate for you during labor and birth, which may be helpful if you are vulnerable, anxious, or have cultural or religious needs.

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Advocating during labor and birth -

Pregnant people who are Black or Black Mixed Heritage are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and childbirth, largely due to healthcare providers not taking concerns seriously. A doula could help in reducing that risk and communicate your concerns.

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How much do doulas cost? -

The cost of doulas can vary widely. Some may charge per hour or for a set support package. In the US, most insurance plans don't cover the costs of having a doula, and prices can range from US$200 to US$5,000. 

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Free support -

Depending on your location and circumstances, you could be eligible to access free doula support during your pregnancy. 

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Finding a doula -

As doulas aren't usually members of hospital staff, you may have to find them on your own. Ask your doctor, or friends, or search the internet for recommendations.

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Doula vs. midwife -

Midwives are trained healthcare providers who can oversee low-risk pregnancies, labor, and birth. They can also help support you during labor and in the postpartum period. 

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Doula vs. midwife -

As doulas aren't clinical professionals, they can't give medical advice, but they can offer physical and emotional support during labor. They can help you with breathing techniques, positional changes, and relaxation strategies.

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Are doulas worth the money? -

According to research, birth doulas help reduce the rate of C-sections, and as they provide advocacy, some believe they're worth every penny.

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What is an end-of-life doula? -

An end-of-life doula, or a death doula, helps you and your loved ones before, during, and after death by providing emotional and physical support, education about the dying process, and guidance while grieving.

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Full-spectrum doulas -

Full spectrum doulas provide support for all reproductive experiences, including abortion, miscarriage, adoption, and LGBTQ+ family planning.

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Celebrities who used doulas: Kelly Rowland -

Kelly Rowland used doula-to-the-stars Lori Bregman for her son's birth. 

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Anne Hathaway - Anne Hathaway also used doula Lori Bregman when it was time to give birth to her baby. 

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Nicole Kidman -

Nicole Kidman used a doula for the birth of her baby, Sunday Rose. She said the doula helped everything go smoothly.

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Alicia Keys -

Latham Thomas, founder of doula and maternity lifestyle brand Mama Glow, was the doula for Alicia Keys.

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Jessica Biel -

A doula was present during the birth of Jessica Biel's son, Silas.

Sources: (WebMD) (Tommys) (Mom)

See also: Things you cannot do while pregnant

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