Our Doula Experience Part II: What is a Doula?

We had to do a part II because so many people asked us these questions related to our doula experience so here we are with our answers!

What is a DONA certified doula?

-DONA International is the leader in evidence-based doula training, certification, and continuing education." Their doulas are required to receive proper education, training, attend workshops, and thoroughly are prepared to help you with your birth in whatever way you need!

What’s a doula?

- A doula for us was a trained support person who helped us during pregnancy, through labor and delivery, and even checked in afterbirth. She helped ensure our birth plan was heard and followed as much as possible. She guided me through labor with different positions to ensure progression as needed to avoid the medicated labor I didn't want. She supported my partner and gave him a break when needed as well as reassured him I was okay when he wasn't sure. She was a calming voice of support and alliance through a sea of nurses and doctors saying what they want. She was full of calm, tranquility, support, knowledge, guidance, and provided more than my husband and I could have ever dreamed!

Why do I want one for my labor?

-Doula's aren't only for natural labors, non-medicated labors, vaginal births, c-sections, etc. They cover it all. They are there for YOU! They are knowledgeable and supportive of what YOU want. They help you create a birth plan that is what you need/want and then do everything to help you make that happen. I didn't want to be induced. I was so very lucky that my doula and OB recommended the natural nonmedicated induction of a CRB. I was able to have the birth I wanted because of my doula and OB thinking outside the box for me. Beyond truly being there for you your doula isn't just ensuring that birth plan, they are ensuring your well-being, decreased stress, relaxation, and any way of helping you progress and meet your baby safely!

Can I hire a doula for a homebirth/delivery?

-Yes and NO! You can definitely have a doula at your homebirth BUT they require a midwife to be present. Doula's are amazing support people and have a lot of knowledge to help you in your labor but do NOT deliver babies. You must have an OB or midwife present.

Doula’s seem expensive... why?

-At first I admit to thinking hiring a doula was out of the budget and a pricey investment. However, doula's like Carli have very reasonable costs and if you check out her website you can see the full breakdown of ALL that she provides for you!! It is so very worth it. Beyond what she does think about this job. It isn't a 9-5. She has to be ready for you to go into labor at any point, whether you are going into labor way early at 34 weeks, around your due date but not on it at say 39 weeks, or like me and go over to 41 weeks she agrees to make it happen! It's quite the agreement don't you think? Now don't even get me started on the hours. Our amazing doula had such a busy long day and LONG drive back home but she still prioritized me and my baby boy and showed up at my labor at 10pm and stayed until after he was born at 2:02am! Dedication is truly an understatement and I don't know if it's because I am pregnant again right now but just thinking about how there she was for us brings me to tears! A phenomenal person for me!!

My partner/parent/friend/etc plans on being my support person, why would I need a doula?

-I too had this logic. I probably would have stayed that way too if it weren't for my husband saying he wanted a doula for us. That said my husband crushed it. He was so amazing and supportive the entire time. However, who told me the positions to try to progress labor when things weren't moving? Our doula. Who recommended a shower which helped progression as well? Our doula. Who came up with the idea of using essential oils? Doula. Okay you get the picture. We truly could not have had a more perfect birth and our doula made it happen for us!

So, Will you have a doula again? Why when you know what you are doing?

-I answer yes to this question in an instant, so does my husband. That said I tend to get the follow up but why when you know what you are doing? Oh wow. Well, just because I birthed once doesn't make me an expert. Even if I had birthed 6 times number 7 could still be very different. For instance I was so ready to go to town on my yoga ball at birth and it spiked our son's heart rate, he hated it. So, when that flopped I was like ummmm....all those positions I "learned" in my birthing class were gone. I couldn't think of squat. Pregnancy brain is nothing like labor brain, I promise! But just because he hated it doesn't mean baby number 2 will. Maybe that is how progression happens this time but if not we will have a doula, Carli of course, to be there and help guide us through again.

What should I expect from a doula at my labor?

-I think the best answer to this is ask your doula. What does she do? Consider writing ahead of time what you are hoping she will do for you. I made it clear, please tell me what to do! I am terrible at suggestions so if you say would you like A or B I will freeze. I accept that what we may try at first won't work and we will switch it up but don't give me options. Know yourself and convey that to your doula.

So what I want to leave you with is birthing is meant to be one of the most amazing blessed moments of our lives. Having a doula there to support you and help you achieve your birth plan the best you can makes it that much easier, that much calmer and stress free, and more than anything that much more enjoyable! If you are in the area definitely check out Carli Bailey-Mellentine's website again at -->

https://www.willowtreedoula.com/

(just don't steal my due date, just kidding😉).