Doulas

All most people truly need for birth is a body and a baby to push out of it, however, having a doula comes with significant advantages and is virtually risk-free.

What is the difference between a midwife and a doula?

Many people get confused about the difference between a doula and a midwife, and there are many areas of overlap, but the job description and priorities during your pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum veer in somewhat different directions. 

A midwife is medically trained and their presence is primarily to ensure the safety of the birther and baby, while a doula’s role does not involve any medical care or medical advice. The birth doula’s role is primarily to support the birther (and partner) physically and emotionally throughout the labor and birth process. 

The midwife will generally have numerous prenatal and postnatal care appointments with the client, assessing the health and well-being of the birther and baby. A doula typically has one or two prenatal appointments where many things including coping measures and the birth plan are discussed, and one postpartum appointment. Both midwives and doulas are on call for your birth and provide continuous labor and birth support.

Benefits of having a doula

Doulas are for everyone! Even if you had a baby before and didn’t use a doula’s services - odds are you would be amazed by how much they add to your experience! 

Doulas are well trained and experienced professionals in comfort measures, coping techniques, and labor and birthing positions that are most advantageous for different labor needs. Oftentimes you may call your doula to come support you with comfort measures during labor prior to your midwife arriving, they may also help you assess when it would be good to send for the midwife. They can be a support to your partner, making sure their needs are met, giving guidance in how they can support you, reassuring them, and giving them a break when needed during a long labor. Doulas are also advocates to assist in making sure your needs and desires are met and respected in your birthing space. Doulas support your decisions while providing you with any information and resources you may desire. The value of their emotional support and encouragement cannot be overstated. Their goal is that you are ultimately satisfied with your birthing experience.

There have been numerous studies on the effects of having a doula at your birth. Though having a doula cannot guarantee a specific birth outcome, every study has shown that doulas pose no risk and can significantly improve birth outcomes in a way that no other support person has been shown to. Specifically, these studies show that doula support during labor reduces the likelihood of using pain medication or epidurals in labor, reduces cesarean rates and other birth interventions, and ultimately improves the birther’s satisfaction with the birth.

Why you may choose to not have a doula

There are very few reasons someone would choose to not have a doula. 

Finances: Doulas are rarely covered by insurance (check your plan though to be sure!) and the out of pocket cost is often between $500-$1700. Talk with your midwife if you have financial concerns holding you back from hiring a doula, they may have some ideas for you. Some doulas offer packages which may include placenta encapsulation, prenatal yoga, childbirth education, or even birth photography. 

Limiting support people: If you are happy with the support your partner is able to provide, and you really don’t want the support of a doula, that's absolutely your choice! A doula’s role and benefits are different from anyone else's, and they can support your partner and give them breaks, but you can definitely give birth without a doula if it’s not what you need.

Types of doulas

Birth doulas are the most common and recognized type of doula, but there are other types of doulas! Postpartum doulas are doulas who come to your home to support you during the postpartum period. Their job varies based on your needs - they may give you recommendations to make your life easier, tips about baby care or lactation, help with household needs, offer resources for your physical and emotional needs, and/or watch your baby while you get some much-needed rest or tend to other tasks. There are some doulas who are specially trained and skilled to help support people going through a pregnancy loss or stillbirth. There are also end of life doulas who provide professional, skilled support to people with terminal illnesses.

Resources

Evidence Based Birth has this beautiful handout describing the evidence for having a doula: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Doula-Handout.pdf

The book The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin has so much info for and about doulas, and also is a fantastic resource to help birth partners assist you with or without the presence of a doula.

This link has a thorough description of everything related to birth and postpartum doulas: www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/doula/what-is-a-doula/

DONA has more info on the benefits of having a doula and is also one resource for finding a doula: www.dona.org - You can also check: doulamatch.net to find a doula, or ask your midwife and community!

Ashley Cavender

Last edited 8-2024