Doulas Benefit Everyone
It’s World Doula Week! (March 22 – 28th)
This year the theme for World Doula Week is “Doulas Benefit Everyone.”
The doulas at Buddha Belly are proud and honored to do this work.
So how is it that doulas benefit everyone?
Mothers:
This one is the most obvious. Doulas work for mothers. We support you with information, education, comfort measures, emotional support and more. We do this during pregnancy, labor, birth and during the postpartum phase. Growing tiny humans, giving birth to them and raising them is hard work and this period of life is a time of vulnerability. You may find comfort in being surrounded by other women who understand what you are going through and help you to be confident and supported.
Fathers/Partners:
Partners are transitioning to becoming a new parent. This is a big change. Labor and birth can be scary and stressful for partners too. Partners are emotionally attached to you – rightfully so! – and this can cloud their judgement. Doulas bring knowledge and experience and remain level-headed. Doulas will comfort your partner and answer their questions. During labor, doulas can give your partner a break without concern that they have abandoned you. In the postpartum phase, your partner may also be learning new things: how to hold your baby, feed your baby, soothe your baby, change your baby and so much more. Doulas have experience and insight to share to help partners find their way.
Grandparents and extended family:
Sometimes grandparents are far away and not able to be there with you. A doula can be your companion, your supporter and your consultant to help you wade through all of the new information and find what makes sense to you. If you are fortunate enough to have extended family nearby, your doula may also be a resource for them to answer questions and help have a positive experience.
Doctors, Midwives & Nurses:
In a hospital setting doctors, midwives and nurses are usually taking care of more than one patient at the same time. They are focused on achieving a healthy outcome for mother and baby and the clinical tasks required. While nearly all of them are lovely, caring, kind and compassionate people, they may not have time at each visit to stop and rub your shoulders, listen to how you are feeling, hold your hand or to provide you with a cold washcloth when you are getting too warm.
Your doula is by your side the entire time. She is caring only for you. She is there to take care of your every need so you can be as comfortable and as satisfied as possible with your experience. When you are relaxed and comfortable, your labor will progress smoother. This makes your care providers’ job easier. Doulas can also often help you decide when is the right time to head to the hospital or place of birth. This can be a great help to your doctor or midwife. By ensuring that you don’t come in too early or too late, your medical provider is able to give you the best care possible.
Babies:
When babies are born in a calm and peaceful environment, they benefit too. When you are comfortable, rested and well taken care of during labor, birth and postpartum your baby will get care, love and time from you. Breastfeeding outcomes are improved when mothers have doula support. Babies need healthy, happy, rested mothers and this is the goal of a doula!
