In a word, YES. But of course I'm going to say that! So let's break it down.
The evidence shows that continous support of a birthing person in labour has the following positive effects on the birth*:
Fewer interventions during labour
Less pain relief required
Less likely to require a caesarean section
Baby more likely to have higher APGAR score
More positive view of your birthing experience
Ah! I hear you cry - I have a birth partner already, so I don't think that a birth doula is worth the money.
What about before the birth? A doula can help you navigate the maternity system and advocate for your choices. During your pregnancy, they get to know you and your partner, your family. They give you the tools to mindfully plan for your birth. They can help your partner understand their role (NB. which is not to sit in the corner eating snacks and then faint when things get going). They can provide you with stats to understand your pregnancy, emotional support if you find you're struggling, and a calm head to plan for the next few months.
A doula is more than worth the money when you are suddenly confronted with situations like the below:
"As your baby was conceived through IVF, you will need to be induced at 39 weeks"
"As you have gestational diabetes, you will need to birth in the delivery suite"
"As you are measuring small, you will need to be induced now"
"As you previously had a caesarean section you can't have a natural delivery"
"If you decline induction, you are risking your baby being stillborn"
If you are told anything like the above, your doula can help you understand what is really happening in your body, or the reasons your hospital are asking you to change your plans, and support you to find a new way forward that you are comfortable with.
A doula walks alongside you, with no judgment, not adding to the realms of advice, but providing information and ideas to give you confidence and comfort.
On top of this, many doulas help with practical aspects at the birth like:
Fetching water, snacks, towels, pads, candles, anything that the birthing person and partner need!
Calling the midwife
Looking after other children (if at home)
Support positioning and movement to provide comfort during labour
Support you through any changes to your birth plan e.g. unplanned caesarean
Helping midwives to clean up
Helping birthing person to wash and change
Helping with initial breastfeeding
Taking wonderful videos and photos
So yes, a birth doula is worth the money!
Instead of spending upwards of £1000 on a 'travel system', I wish I'd put that money into a doula for my first baby. Of course you need a pram, but I have two words for you: Facebook Marketplace.
*Bohren MA, Hofmeyr G, Sakala C, Fukuzawa RK, Cuthbert A. Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2017, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD003766. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub6
Comments