Hiring Me as Your Doula: The Benefits

"Why should I hire you to be my doula?"  This is a common question I have heard when potential clients interview me,  and it's one of my favorite ones to answer.  If a mom has been doing her research, she's likely learned that women who had a doula at their side have reported better birth outcomes (significantly reduced interventions and lowered risk of cesarean birth) and higher satisfaction with their birth experience.  In addition to those very important reasons, here are my top 5 reasons why I believe hiring a doula to attend your birth is a good idea.

1.  Your doctor/nurse cannot be with you the entire time.
If you are planning a hospital birth, you will likely be one of many patients that your doctor and nurse are tending to on a shift.  And as much as they want to be with you the whole time, they simply cannot due to the other demands on their time.  If your birth happens to cross over into another nurse's shift, then there is a chance that you will have the "change-over" during your labor, thus leaving you in the hands of another nurse just as you were feeling comfortable with the first one.  But as your doula, I  will never leave your side.  I will not be tending to anyone but you.  You will have my full and undivided attention from start to finish and I will not leave you until I'm certain you are settled and ready to have those first quiet bonding moments with your baby.

2.  Your partner may need support too.
Many partners find that they need a break and/or support at some point in the delivery of your baby.  It can be very overwhelming at times, and a doula will be there to guide you both through the process.  I will suggest specific ways that your partner can help you, while also being respectful of the fact that this is your moment as a couple.  

3.  I will bring my unconditional support to you.
After you've selected me as your doula, we will meet a couple of times to thoroughly discuss your wishes for the birth.  You will share all your hopes, concerns, and potential worries with me about your upcoming delivery.  You will have the promise of my non-judgmental support and attention 24/7 (whenever you need it) from the time you hire me until baby is born.  By the time baby comes, you will feel comfortable with me and know without a doubt that I'm there to support you.

4.  I will help you navigate the unknowns of birth.
Together, we will create a birth plan that you are comfortable with, knowing that flexibility is key.  It is rare that a birth goes exactly as planned, but as your doula, I will help you navigate the unknown factors that may arise.  I will answer your questions and help you make informed decisions.  

5.  I will provide you with comfort measures.
As your doula, I have received specific training to help you through the hard work of labor.  I know effective techniques for positioning, relaxation, breathing, and easing back labor and pressure in your body.  I know the importance of emotional and physical support through every stage of the birth.  I will bring you my head, hands, and heart and provide you with calm reassurance when needed.  As a mom who has given birth three times, I totally understand the process and can completely empathize with you.  I will support your birth choices completely, and I will be with you every step of the way.

As you navigate all the details of your pregnancy and birth, I know there is so much to think about.  It is my hope that hiring a doula is one of the things you are considering.  I am so overjoyed to know that more and more women are learning about the importance of having a doula at their side at this most intimate and pivotal time.  I consider it a great honor and privilege to serve all of my clients.

Thanks for reading!

~Happi

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