Should You Consider a Doula? Here’s What You Need to Know
Alright, so you’re pregnant. Congrats, mama! Now that you're working on creating a small human, you might be bombarded with a million things to consider—what to eat, how to sleep, which stroller is worth the price of a small car, and oh, should you have a doula? Yep, that last one is a biggie, and trust me, it's not just some fancy, trendy buzzword that moms toss around at yoga class. A doula could actually make your pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience a whole lot smoother, and you deserve all the support you can get, right?
Let’s dive into what a doula actually does, why you might want one, and whether or not you should take the plunge and welcome this magical being into your birth squad.
What Exactly Is a Doula?
First off, let's clarify what a doula isn’t: a doula isn’t a midwife or a doctor. They aren’t there to take over the medical stuff during your birth. Instead, think of a doula as your personal pregnancy and birth coach—the emotional support system you didn’t know you needed, but will never want to live without once you meet them.
A doula’s job is to provide non-medical support, which means they help you navigate everything from birth planning to breathing techniques, offer hands-on support during labor (like back rubs and reminders to breathe through the contractions), and—maybe most importantly—they're there to keep you calm when you’re starting to feel like the contractions might actually kill you (they won’t, but I get it). They’re basically your childbirth cheerleader, minus the pom-poms.
Why You Might Want a Doula
You might be wondering, “Do I really need a doula? Isn’t that what my partner/mom/friend is for?” And yes, while your partner or loved ones can certainly be there to offer support, a doula is a trained professional who knows the ins and outs of childbirth. They’ve seen it all, and they won’t be fazed by anything. (Not even when your partner turns a lovely shade of green during the gross parts of labor. You know the ones.)
Here’s why you might want to consider bringing a doula on board:
1. They’re an Expert in Birth Stuff
This isn’t their first rodeo. Doulas have been trained to support you through the intensity of labor, which means they know how to help with breathing, positioning, relaxation techniques, and all the things that might make you feel like you can handle childbirth like a champ (even when you’re 99% sure you can’t). They know exactly when to offer encouragement and when to suggest trying a new position to help things move along.
2. They’re There for You—Not the Hospital
While nurses and doctors are amazing and do their jobs incredibly well, they’ve got other patients to worry about too. Your doula? They’re your person. Their entire focus is on making sure you’re comfortable, supported, and that your birth plan (as much as possible) stays on track. They aren’t distracted by hospital procedures—they’re there solely to help you.
3. Emotional Support, Big Time
Whether you’re feeling anxious about labor, not sure how to communicate your needs to the medical staff, or just need someone to keep you grounded, your doula’s got you. They’re your emotional support guru, keeping you calm, collected, and focused on what matters most: meeting your baby.
Photo by Erin Wilwert Photography
Types of Doulas (Yes, There’s More Than One)
Hold up—you thought all doulas were the same? Not quite. Just like your go-to coffee order has about 12 different variations, doulas come in a few different flavors, too. Here are the main types of doulas you might encounter:
1. Birth Doula
This is probably the doula you’ve heard the most about. A birth doula is there to help during your pregnancy, labor, and the actual birth. They’ll help you create a birth plan, be by your side during labor, and make sure you feel supported throughout the entire process. They’re the ones who’ll talk you through those “what even is happening to my body?!” moments.
2. Postpartum Doula
The postpartum doula comes into play after your little one has arrived. Their job is to help with the adjustment to parenthood, offering support for breastfeeding, newborn care, and helping you (and your partner) get some sleep. Think of them as your newborn fairy godmother who shows up when you’re on the verge of an exhaustion-induced meltdown.
3. Full-Spectrum Doula
A full-spectrum doula is there to support you no matter what kind of birth experience you’re having—whether it’s a natural birth, C-section, or even in cases of loss or abortion. They provide judgment-free, compassionate support for all types of pregnancy outcomes.
Should You Hire a Doula?
Let’s get to the big question: should you hire a doula? While the decision is 100% personal, there are a few factors to consider when making the call:
1. Do You Want Extra Support?
If the idea of having a dedicated support person to help you through labor and delivery sounds like a dream come true, then yes, a doula might be for you. If you’re the type of person who prefers more one-on-one, emotional support and guidance, a doula is your best bet.
2. Do You Have Specific Preferences for Your Birth?
If you’re planning something specific—like a natural birth or home birth—having a doula there can help ensure your birth plan is followed as closely as possible. They can also advocate for you in the hospital if things don’t go quite as planned (because we all know birth tends to go off-script).
3. Are You Feeling Anxious About Labor?
If you’re nervous about labor (which, let’s be real, most of us are), having a doula in your corner can help calm your nerves. Knowing that someone experienced is there to guide you through every stage of labor can make a huge difference in how you feel heading into the delivery room.
The Cost of a Doula: Worth It?
Now, I’m not going to sugarcoat it: doulas cost money. And depending on where you live and what services you want, it can be a significant investment. But here’s the thing—many moms who’ve had doulas will tell you the same thing: it’s worth it.
Doulas aren’t just for celebrity moms or Instagram influencers—they’re for anyone who wants that extra level of support during one of the most intense experiences of their life. And when you think about the comfort, guidance, and peace of mind a doula provides, the investment suddenly seems a lot more reasonable.
Final Thoughts: Should You Hire a Doula?
At the end of the day, whether or not you decide to hire a doula is a personal choice. But if you’re someone who wants a little extra hand-holding, some emotional support, and a pro who knows the ropes of childbirth, then a doula could be exactly what you need.
And when the time comes to capture your baby’s first days earthside (because trust me, those early newborn days fly by), you’ll want someone there to take care of that too. That’s where I come in! At Erin Wilwert Photography, I specialize in making sure you feel amazing and comfortable during those sweet newborn moments. Let me help you capture the joy and magic of this new chapter with beautiful, timeless newborn photos you’ll cherish forever.
