Benefits of Having a Doula
Having a doula by your side during the time you give delivery could be the very thing that makes the difference in how your birth experience will go
I’m not just going to make a statement like that without dishing out the facts so continue reading so I can explain just how big of a difference it can make.
1. Lower your chance of C-Section by over 50%
Might as well start off strong by tell you about this interesting statistic that shows how something as seamless as advocacy can make the world of a difference during a birth. According a medical article titled “Doula care across the maternity care continuum and impact on maternal health… “ found on the lancet.com medical journal a study using information found from multiple states showed evidence of a 52.9% decrease in odds for cesarean delivery for those who used a doula regardless of when the doula care began. Now isn’t that amazing!
2. Shorten your delivery
I know, I know you thought I used up my best one and didn’t have any thing else up my sleeve but you were wrong. I told you how a doula can help shorten your recovery time by not having a c section but didn’t tell you they could even help shorten your labor. Doulas help to provide a calm and relaxing environment for their clients, this seems like just an emotional thing but it can also have a big impact on the physical part of labor. This relaxed environment allows mom to really focus her energy on making every contraction worth it. Not only do you have an expert by your side to walk you through the most effective ways to use every contraction to your advantage but they also coach you on how to use breath work and movements to lower baby into position as quickly as possible, effectively shortening labor times for many women.
3. Advocacy, Advocacy, Advocacy
A doula’s role complements the work of your medical team without replacing anyone. While your doctor or midwife is focused on medical care and childbirth procedures, your doula is there to offer the physical, emotional, and informational support you need. This team dynamic allows you to focus on your well-being and the birth itself while trusting that your doula is looking out for your needs every step of the way. Because you are the boss and the guiding source around their presence your doula has an unbiased drive to advocate for your wishes as long as you and baby are safe. Though doctors, nurses, and midwives are crucial to the medical side of childbirth, a doula’s role is to advocate for you and your preferences. Doulas are knowledgeable about birth and can provide you with evidence-based information about your options throughout the birthing process.
During labor, a doula can help you communicate your needs to your healthcare team. Whether it’s clarifying your birth plan, asking questions, or helping you make informed decisions about interventions, a doula ensures that your voice is heard. This kind of advocacy can make a huge difference in ensuring that your birth experience aligns with your wishes and values. can help you make educated decisions about the care you and baby receive to make sure your delivery is as close to how God planned for you as possible.
4. Continuity of Care
Unlike the sometimes fleeting interactions with hospital staff or medical teams, doulas offer continuous care. A doula is there from the moment you start labor, often staying with you throughout the entire process, including after the birth. This continuity of care helps establish a deeper trust and familiarity between you and your doula, something that isn’t always possible with doctors and nurses who rotate shifts.
This consistent presence creates a stable, safe space for you, especially when you're facing a life-changing event like childbirth. Doulas are there to help you feel informed, heard, and reassured throughout the experience, offering a sense of security that many find comforting.
5. Physical Comfort & Pain Management
One of the primary reasons people hire doulas is for the physical comfort they provide during labor. Doulas are trained in various comfort measures to help ease pain and reduce discomfort, including breathing techniques, massage, positioning tips, and relaxation exercises.
A doula is there to help you try different methods of pain relief (from natural pain management techniques to supporting you if you decide on medical pain relief) while ensuring that you are in control of your birthing experience. In many cases, having a doula can shorten labor and decrease the need for medical interventions, as they help you manage your pain more effectively.
6. Your Emotional Support Guru
Last but definitely not lease, we have to address the emotional support elephant in the room. Childbirth is a deeply emotional experience, and the right support can make all the difference. Doulas provide continuous emotional support throughout the entire process—whether it’s during labor or in the weeks following birth. From reassuring words during contractions to helping calm your nerves, doulas offer a safe space to express your fears, excitement, or concerns without judgment.
What makes a doula’s support so special is their ability to stay calm and focused, offering the emotional stability needed to navigate the intensity of childbirth. When you feel supported, you’re more likely to feel empowered in your choices and confident in your ability to handle the challenges of labor.
The journey to parenthood is an intimate and transformative one. Every expecting parent deserves a birthing experience that feels safe, supported, and informed. Whether you're planning a hospital birth, home birth, or birth center delivery, a doula offers continuous, compassionate care that supports your physical, emotional, and informational needs.
Hiring a doula ensures that you have a professional by your side, helping you to navigate the unknowns of childbirth with confidence. From early labor to postpartum care, a doula is a guide, a coach, and a steady presence who empowers you to have the birth experience you envision.
If you’re considering having a doula at your birth, remember that it’s an investment in your experience—and it’s one that can make all the difference.
Hi, I’m Faye, a doula based in the Central Arkansas area. I’m here to support you through your birthing journey and help you feel empowered every step of the way.
I know a lot of people would say there isn’t a such thing as a perfect delivery but I would have to disagree but that’s bologna. The perfect delivery is the one God intended just for you. And I know he shares those desires and places them on your heart. Trusting in God and his ability to bring forth delivery is the best way. Isaiah 66 9-11
With love,
Faye G
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