Why you MUST have a doula

I found a grat article singing praises for having a doula support you during your birth.  A Doula – The MUST HAVE for Expecting Parents.    I agree!

I am a little biased of course.  I had a doula for my last birth and loved it.  My husband loved it.  He asked why we didn’t have one for all our births! 

I am also a doula.  I think that for most moms planning a natural childbirth in a hospital setting really SHOULD have a doula.  There are so many L&D nurses who have NEVER SEEN a natural childbirth.  They don’t know how to support you, they are busy taking care of other patients, paperwork, etc to really give you the support a mom needs.  Most Dads don’t have a lot of birth experience, so they feel more confident with a doula in the room too. 

If a mom is having a homebirth a doula is a great thing to have too, but not as necessary.

If a mom is having a hospital birth and is planning on getting an epidural, a doula is still a great member to add to your birth team.  A doula can help you navigate all the choices you will have.  A doula can help you be in positions that will help your birth to progress.  A doula can help you stay focused and calm until you get your epidural. 

For any dad who wonders if you need a doula.  All I know is the one time I supported a single mom by myself.  I so wished we had another doula.  It is hard to be the only one giving all the support to a birthing mom.  Pretty exhausting.  When there are 2 of you, a lot of the pressure is off and it is more fun!