So often we are asked why we do what we do. Being a Doula is quite a unique profession. We work at all hours of the day and night, see clients at their best and most vulnerable, and share such a strong bond at the end of it all. There are so many reasons why we love what we do and here are the top 5:
Doulas decrease your anxiety and fear.
Going through pregnancy, childbirth and bringing baby home can cause quite a bit of worry for most expectant and new parents. Having someone who is an experienced guide walk you through an unknown experience makes the whole thing easier to manage. Having a birth or postpartum Doula guide you through the pregnancy and early weeks with baby helps to ease a lot of concerns that you many have. This allows you to relax, let go and enjoy the experience of welcoming your baby into the world.
Doulas bring you closer together as a couple.
Some people are hesitant to hire a doula because they think they will take the place of their partner. This is so far from the truth. Many partners are unsure how to help you during the process of labour and early postpartum and this can lead them to be more distant. Having a baby is all new for them as well and it causes them a lot of stress trying to be an expert in something that they have never done before. Having a doula supporting you both during the labour and birth experience allows your partner to be as hands on during the process as they want to be. Providing information on what is happening and what the options are, can help both of you to feel involved. Your doula is there to provide suggestions on what your partner can do to support you-what positions to get you in or massage techniques to try are some of the options we will be recommending. When you come home with your baby, some partners feel that there is not much they can do to help if you are breastfeeding. We are able to show them so many other baby care activities to feel involved and build a strong connection with them and your baby. Diaper change tips and tricks, burping and soothing techniques, bathing baby and swaddling are all things we show both of you and encourage partners to do as much as possible.
Doulas support your medical staff.
As mentioned above, your Doula helps you to be more relaxed and less anxious about the whole experience. What Health Care provider wouldn’t want to work with a family that has educated support and is more calm? Doulas are not responsible for any of the medical decisions made throughout your pregnancy and birth. We leave that to your doctor or midwife. We are there to make sure you know your options and feel good about everything that is happening. This saves time for your Health Care Provider and they love that!
Doulas help you wade through all the endless information out there.
Google has an unlimited amount of information and that can be very helpful when looking for a restaurant in your area but not as helpful when you have pregnancy, birth or baby related concerns. Most searches make your head spin with all the contradicting information that it leaves you more confused than when you started. As Doulas we love being able to give you very specific information that applies directly to your situation. This helps ease a lot of worry and stress as you move along this journey of becoming parents. Your Helping Hands Doula group chat is like your own personalized google where you have direct access to your doula experts to answer any questions you have along the way.
Doulas help empower you to be confident parents.
The best part of what we do is watching parents evolve from a place of insecurity to a place of confidence. There are so many unknowns when it comes to this whole process that many parents feel uneasy and unsure about what is the “right” way to do things. It is so great to share information with you as a new parent and allow you to find out what feels “right” for you. As your Doula I don’t speak for you, I help you find your own voice. That’s pretty awesome if you ask me!
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