Congratulations! You’re expecting!
The next few weeks, months and even years are going to be a whirlwind of new experiences, emotions and challenges. You probably have an influx of questions about the next steps to come. From co-sleeping, to whether or not to breastfeed, the possibilities are endless when it comes to your soon-to-be future. Before jumping into the nitty gritty of new parenthood, childbirth comes first. There are certain questions you will need to ask yourself. Will your birth be medicated or natural? Will you choose to go with a doctor and/or a midwife? We want to help you get the most out of your pregnancy and childbirth experience—no matter what route you choose.
What does that mean? Well, first things first: if you’re looking for a doula or midwife for emotional support during labor or postpartum care, we’ve done some research for you! This post may contain affiliate links.
Receive Extra Support During Birth
One of the great things about having a Doula is that you now have a cheerleader as a member on your birthing team. They will give you unconditional support, emotionally, mentally, and physically. This is beneficial so that if you have a partner they can focus on being present just for you and your needs. The Doula will be there for you when you need someone to talk to or just hold your hand. They will also make sure that you are comfortable, emotionally and physically.
Assistance with Facilitating Communication with Hospital Staff
Most women will agree that having a baby for the first time can be a whirlwind of emotions, hormones, and sleepless nights. You might be wondering what questions to ask your doctor, who to talk to when different nurses are coming in during the time of your labor, and maybe even what you should wear while giving birth.
Having a Doula at your side can help ease most of these worries by communicating on your behalf while you focus on giving birth and your partner focuses on you.
Assistance with Breast Feeding
Breast-feeding is a great way to bond with your baby and provide them with the nutrients they need.
But, just like the majority of most people, you may feel nervous about the process and unsure of what to expect.
That’s where the Doula comes in! A Doula by definition is a professional trained in breastfeeding who can help make your experience as comfortable and successful as possible. They can assist with everything from helping you choose the right breast pump to offering advice on positioning and latch-on techniques so that you’re well prepared before leaving the hospital.
And if you’re worried about cost? Don’t be! A lactation consultant can cost anywhere from $150 and $350 per hour, while doulas charge around $100 per hour making them the more affordable option!
Decrease Length of Labor
Labor is a process that can last either only a couple of hours or can go on for days. That on its own brings on a bit of stress, but fortunately with the help of a Doula you can have them guide you through labor with breathing techniques and massage to help alleviate stress which leads to decreasing the amount of time in labor.
A Doula is someone who has gone through training to help guide women through their birthing experience. They are not as focused on the medical procedures but instead focus on motherhood. They can assist with breathing techniques, massage, emotional support and more!
By having this extra person by your side during labor the whole ordeal is made less stressful which in turn means it will go faster and easier! This way you can spend more time focusing on making sure your baby is safe.
Assist with Birthing Process whether Medicated or Unmedicated
When you think of Doula or midwife, you may think that it’s mainly for women who opt for an unmedicated birth. That is not the case and Doulas can be utilized to assist with the birthing process during both medicated and unmedicated birth.
For those who have an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery, a Doula can still assist by providing emotional support, education on birthing methods, and help with labor preparation.
Decreased Infant Mortality Rates
Just like doulas midwives are trained health professionals who assist in the child birthing process. However midwives offer everything from gynecological exams to labor and delivery care. Being so involved along the way helps with decreased infant mortality rates.
Midwives are trained to keep a watchful eye on your pregnancy, but they also specialize in helping you through labor and delivery of your baby. Midwives can help you decide if you want an epidural or natural birth. They will be there with you every step of the way throughout your entire labor and delivery process, which is why it’s recommended that you choose a midwife who has experience with what is best for YOU during this time in your life.
Increased Satisfaction with Quality of Care
You know what we love? A midwife.
Not only is a midwife a medical professional, but they provide patient based care like no other. They take the time to get to know you and your partner and as your pregnancy progresses, take the time to help develop your birth plan.
Pregnant women heard it all before: “You’re having a baby!” And then there’s that moment when everything changes. You can feel it in your bones. You start to see the world in a whole new way—and not just because of those swollen ankles or sore backside. It’s because you’re growing a human inside of you! And even though the changes are subtle, they are absolutely life-changing. This journey with a midwife can be made a little easier and simpler as they are a person who’s been through it many times before.
Lower Costs for Both Clients and Insurers
It is common knowledge that having a baby can be expensive.
But did you know that if you decide to have a midwife, your birth will cost about $2000 less than if you go with an obstetrician?
And that’s not all! The great news is that midwives are sometimes covered under insurance—meaning you may not have to worry about the cost at all.
Postpartum Support
It’s no secret that new moms are very busy people. Between caring for their little one and trying to get back into the swing of a normal life, there’s just not a lot of time for anything else. But did you know that postpartum care is a crucial part of your recovery and reproductive health?
The first six weeks after having a baby is a critical time when you’re at risk for infections and other complications, so it’s important to be vigilant about your health during this time. And while most doctors will check in with new moms at their six-week postpartum checkup, midwives take things a step further by checking in with their patients throughout the postpartum process—even months after delivery!
Decreased Risk of Needing a C Section
If you’re choosing to go the unmedicated birth route, a midwife is perfect. It has also been proven that women who use midwives need fewer interventions during their labor. This is what constitutes the lower risk of needing a C-section.
If you want to know why let us explain!
Women who use midwives are more likely to have more control over the whole process. They can decide how much intervention they want during labor and delivery, and can refuse any kind of medication or assistance they don’t want. This makes them feel in control of their bodies, which translates into a better experience overall.
These women are also less likely to need interventions like an epidural or an episiotomy because they’re able to work through their contractions with breathing techniques instead of painkillers. This means there’s less risk of needing an epidural because they utilize natural pain relief methods through contractions.
