How much time did you spend on planning your wedding? Wish you could have had a wedding planner to help you navigate a completely new world? Had her on-call at your fingertips as your ideas flooded in and when your plans needed to change because of circumstances out of your control? How about having her walk you through your special day to help things go smoothly? While wedding planners don’t actually marry the couple, they do reduce a significant amount of stress and increase enjoyment of your memory of it all.
In all honesty, Doulas are much more like a wedding planner than any other profession. Have we confused you yet? Keep reading.
Doulas help the expecting couple plan for the birthday party –get what we did there? They facilitate this by educating them on the process, what tools are available to them, and strategies on how to reduce anxiety when that day comes. Doulas support the parents-to-be in person the days leading up to the birth. They focus on enhancing the experience by helping the couple stay comfortable, informed, and being an extra set of hands. Just like the wedding planner doesn’t marry the couple, doulas don’t catch babies.
A midwife or a doctor is responsible for catching the baby. Also known as the medical care. Making sure that both the mom & baby is healthy from start to finish.
So why do you need a doula?
You don’t. Just like you don’t need a wedding planner. However…
Just like weddings, the birth of your child can not be rewound. The experience with how things unfold can feel very different when professional support is in place. That goes for the day it unwinds and also the memory.
Birth Doulas provide complimentary consultations to find out more information at any point in your pregnancy. They begin their support immediately with all access with text/phone calls and meet with you in person for private prenatal sessions. This preparation is customized to your place of birth, preferences and family dynamic. Whether you are thinking you want an epidural or not, their care is catered to every option along the way. Your doula is present to navigate you through the healthcare system, and work alongside your doctor or midwife. She will be with you until after you welcome your baby, and help with baby’s first feeding. Plus, the many questions that this role transition brings.
Doulas even join you at home for on-the-job training with newborn care, feeding, routines and sleep. It’s like you are bringing your doula to your babymoon. Whether it is the first 6 weeks, months or over a year. There is ongoing support as you are settling in to your new role as parents.
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