If you are an expecting mother, you are probably researching various ways to seek support during birth. From birthing centers to traditional hospitals, there are so many different options to explore today. One that you should certainly look into is hiring a doula. Here is a look at what a doula can do for you.

Emotional Support

Especially if this is your first pregnancy, you will probably have a lot of worries and emotions that come up throughout the process. While your partner will probably be supportive, males can only be so understanding when it comes to pregnancy, since they have never been through it themselves. Your doula is someone who can be there for you emotionally and who will be able to offer you experience-based advice. You can talk to them about anything from your morning sickness to disagreements you might be having with your mother-in-law.

Physical Comfort

When you do go into labor, a doula will be there with you, acting as a birth coach. In some cases, your doula may be a trained nurse, in which case they may be able to oversee your birth at a birthing center without additional intervention from doctors unless an emergency comes up. If your doula is not a nurse, they can still work alongside your OBGYN and other medical staff, taking on the role of coach. They can offer you physical comfort as you labor by doing things like rubbing your back, coaching you through breathing techniques, applying pressure to areas for relief, and so forth.

Advocacy

Do you have a birth plan? If you want to ensure your birth goes the way you'd like it to, then you need one. The birth plan should be given to your doctors. It should specify things like when and if you want certain medications and where you want the baby to go right after birth (on your chest or to a separate crib, etc.). Your doula can not only help you compose your birth plan, but they can also advocate for you in the hospital to make sure your birth plan is followed. When you're deep in labor, you will appreciate having someone else there to ensure the doctors proceed according to your wishes. 

These are just a few of the many things a doula can do for you during your pregnancy and labor. To learn more, reach out to a doula program service in your local area.