I’m planning to get an epidural…why do I still need a Doula?
Having a Doula has incredible benefits. Here are my top 10 reasons to have a Doula if you’re planning to get an epidural.
- You have support your entire pregnancy, not just during the labor and birth. When a new family books a birth doula package with me I am available to them the ENTIRE pregnancy for support. That means they can call, text, or email me with any questions or concerns they have. This can be anything baby or pregnancy related. I take questions like this All. Day. Long. If I don’t have an answer, I will find it for you, from a reliable source, which brigs me to number two.
2. Birth workers are alllll about networking. This means means we have excellent relationships with other birth workers, doulas, midwives, doctors, pelvic floor specialists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapist….you name it. A doula is an expert at finding resources and being able to answer all of your random questions.
3. They will help you formulate a realistic birth plan that is supportive of your goals. A birth plan is an important part of making sure your entire birth team is on board. Doula’s who are familiar with hospital policies and what to expect in different scenarios are a great resource for helping you create your birth plan. They’re will encourage you and support you in making informed birth choices, no matter what they may be.
4. Getting personalized childbirth education is AWESOME. Hospital classes can be beneficial too, but having a coach sit down and personalize things for you fills you with so much more confidence going into your birth. I do group classes as well as private, and the ones where I get to sit down with a family in their living room are my favorite. It is more personal and they really get to open up and ask questions without fear of embarrassment. No question is stupid! I have heard it all.
5. Epidurals fail up to 12% of the time. Nope, not kidding. Sometimes it fails entirely, other times it only gives partial relief and there is no way to know how an individual woman will respond to the anesthesia. Which means that you will need to have all the tools you can possibly have at the ready. Doula’s can help prepare you for natural birth juuuuust in case. This will help you cope with the pain emotionally and physically. They can offer different techniques, positioning, and ways to move. They can squeeze your hips or push on your back relieving the pressure. They can massage your tired feet or comb your hair and wash your face when you’re exhausted.
6. Your doula will advocate for you. Just because you’re getting some much needed pain relief doesn’t mean that you throw all of your birth preferences out the window. Your doula can help advocate for what you want in the hospital, and make sure it is communicated to all the nurses and doctors when needed. She can also answer questions about procedures that may arise. Forceps, episiotomy, and so much more can be pushed onto you if you’re not prepared or able to stand up for yourself. Your doula will help ensure that your newborn care preferences are followed, too!
7. You will most likely need a coach during pushing. Pushing with an epidural is very different than pushing without one, as it doesn’t happen spontaneously. You doula will coach you (if you need it) on how to push in the most efficient way. This often means holding up a leg, counting for you, and reminding you when to breathe. This is something we practice during childbirth class, but it is extra helpful to have someone helping you on the big day.
8. Your doula is there for your husband/partner. Even Dad needs a break sometimes! Your doula is there to help him be as involved as he wants to be, and make sure his needs are met as well. So if your husband is falling asleep because he has been up laboring with you for 18 hours, he can catch a small nap or go grab some grub from the cafeteria.
9. You’ll get help with breastfeeding. Most moms want to initiate breastfeeding in the “Golden hour” after birth. But, if you’ve never breastfed before, it can be….tricky. I help mom’s learn how to hold their baby and get a proper latch. We also go over what to expect the first few weeks so that the parents feel confident going home.
10. Your doula won’t leave you hanging. I always follow up afterwards and check in on how everything is going postpartum. I will typically go to your home and sit and chat, talking through the birth, answering questions about healing, and assisting with anything newborn care or breastfeeding related. I am also available via text/phone/email to answer anything that may arise, or connect you with resources in the area.
