What to Consider Before Hiring a Doula
Decide if you should hire a Toledo birth doula today!
Taking the steps to hire a Toledo birth doula is an excellent way to ensure you have the best chance possible of experiencing the kind of labor and delivery you truly want. Of course, no one can predict or completely control the outcome of your birth, however, there are many steps that anyone can take to stack the deck in their favor. According to DONA, “countless scientific trials examining doula care demonstrate remarkably improved physical and psychological outcomes for both pregnant, birthing, and postpartum people and their baby.”
With science fully backing the use of a doula during labor and delivery, the choice to hire a Toledo birth doula may seem like a no brainer. Still, many people don’t know about doulas, and if they do, they may not really understand what the role of a doula entails. Over the last decade or so, doula use in America has increased from roughly 3% of births to up to 15%. Still, nearly 30% of women report they would like to have a doula attend their birth.
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During your pregnancy, most birth doulas will meet with you several times to discuss your birth plan and ensure you are setting yourself up for success as you see it. Whether planning a natural or more medical birth, doulas should point out community resources and make referrals to help you get the care that’s best for your body and baby. This can include medical provider recommendations, childbirth education sources, and much more.
During labor and delivery, trained doulas are equipped with an arsenal of skills and tools to make your birth experience as smooth as possible. Massage, position changes, emotional support, and advocacy are just a few of the tactics doulas use to help their clients. After the birth, skilled doulas remain to assist with the first feeding and ensure you are comfortable. Postpartum, quality birth doulas will check in with you at least once for an at home visit.
Do I really need a birth doula?
It’s no secret that your baby will be born eventually with or without a birth doula. A doula’s goal is never to scare anyone into hiring them. Some will be lucky enough to experience a complication and intervention free birth that is short and manageable, without a doula’s presence. This is never guaranteed, however, and the rising maternal mortality rate in America may be reason enough for some women desiring to hire a Toledo birth doula.
Many women choose to hire a birth doula with their second baby after already enduring a negative experience the first time around. Some want all the help they can get to achieve a completely natural birth. Others know they are facing a hospital or high risk birth, and want extra care and assistance to get through the process. Whatever your reason is, it’s a great idea to meet with a Toledo birth doula to see if she is a good fit for you and your family.
How can a birth doula help me?
What does all of the support that hiring a Toledo birth doula gives you add up to? It’s proven that you are more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth, and are more likely to have a shorter than average labor when supported by a doula. Studies also show that receiving continuous labor and delivery support from a doula make you less likely to:
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Need pain medication (including epidurals)
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Have negative feelings about your birth
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Have vacuum or forceps-assisted birth
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Have a cesarean section
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Have a baby with a low Apgar score
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Experience postpartum depression
If you’re thinking about whether or not to hire a Toledo birth doula, there are a number of extra things to consider.
1. How much does hiring a doula cost?
In states where doula services are not reimbursable through Medicaid, most doulas operate on a private pay system. These services can range wildly based on service area and experience. In Northwest Ohio, doula services often range between $800 and $1,500. Some employers may reimburse you for doula services through an HSA or similar system.
2. Will my doula be allowed in the labor and delivery room?
Different facilities have different rules about how many people can be in the room during labor, and at the time of delivery. These rules may apply solely to doulas, or to anyone that will be in the room. Additionally, the rules may change based on whether or not you are having a cesarean section. It’s important to check the rules at your delivery location before making the commitment to hire a Toledo birth doula.
3. Will a doula replace my partner in labor?
A quality doula will be trained to not only include your partner in the birth process, but to support them as well! Most partners have never seen someone give birth, and therefore do not have the same skills or knowledge doulas possess. Many labors last well over 24 hours, during which the support of not one but two people is very valuable.
If you’re still on the fence about whether or not hiring a doula is right for you, it’s a great idea to meet and get to know a local doula. Many doulas offer free consultations, virtually and in person, where you can ask questions and decide if they are a good fit for you personally. Different doulas have different styles, personalities, experience, fees, and training. If you’d like to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to me for quick questions or schedule a meeting.