How a Doula Supports Both You and Your Partner During Birth

Are you starting to think about your birth? Believe it or not, even this early in your pregnancy, it's time to start preparing for that day. You'll need to sign up for ​birth classes​ if you haven't already, and it's time to think about what support you'll want in the birth room. You'll likely have your partner with you, and today I'd like to introduce you to a valuable member of your birth team; a birth doula.

Understanding birth doulas

A birth doula is a trained non-medial professional who offers continuous physical, emotional and informational support to birthing people and their partners before, during and after birth. Their goal is to help you achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible, however that looks for you. Doulas use a tool bag of pain-relief techniques including breathing stratergies, relaxation techniques, positions etc. They also offer support and advice on what to expect at each stage of the delivery, helping to demystify the process for both you and your partner and relieve anxieties. They are not just for unmedicated labors. A doula can be very useful during an epidural birth and even during a planned cesarean.

The presence of a doula can empower you and your partner to make informed decisions, help you to talk with your medical provider and nurses, and contribute to a positive birth experience. Whether it's massaging you, providing words of encouragement, or simply being a calming presence, a doula can offer a level of support that complements the medical care you receive, making your birth journey as smooth and fulfilling as possible.

Why consider a doula?

Research shows that having a doula as a member of your birth team decreases the overall cesarean rate, reduces the use of pain medication and other interventions, decreases the length of labor and increases the birthing person's satisfaction with their birth.

Doulas and partners

Your doula is in no way a replacement for your partner. Instead think of them as an enhancement. Part of their job is to help your partner be as involved in supporting you as they want to be. For some couples, both the doula and the partner are providing physical and emotional support and for others, the partner is doing most of it, with suggestions from the doula in how best to do that. Think of it this way; your partner knows you. They know what makes you tick. The doula knows birth. Together they make an amazing team.

Finding the right fit

Choosing a doula is a very personal decision. Many doulas will have similar training, experience and have attended the same continuing education. Most offer a free meet and greet where you get the chance to find out what they offer and whether they share your particular philosophy towards birth. You will know which doula is the right fit for your family when you meet them, I promise you.

How to find a doula

I have a page ​here​ on my website which lists some of the doulas I recommend in the Seattle area. For doulas beyond Seattle, I recommend checking out ​DoulaMatch​ which will give you the names of doulas in your area who are available for your due date.