Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned vet when it comes to pregnancy, every new opportunity comes with emotions. From fear to excitement, anticipation, and anxiety over pain, giving birth affects every woman uniquely.
This is why assistance is available. As a Black woman, you’re probably familiar with doctors, nurses, and even midwives. But did you know there’s another key player in the pregnancy process that can help significantly?
If you haven’t heard of a ‘doula,’ you’re not alone. A professional trained to provide physical, emotional, and informational support, doulas are not just for the day you give birth. They’re available to help you through all stages of pregnancy, before, during, and after.
Let’s cover the five amazing ways that a doula can make the whole process that much easier.
1. Your Personal Advocate
Pregnancy is a deeply personal event – after all, you’re bringing life into this world!
So why not ensure that this incredible miracle goes as best as it can? With a doula at your side, you can receive all kinds of guidance, delivering you the knowledge you need to ensure your baby comes out healthy and happy (with some crying, of course).
What separates a doula from other caregivers is the advocacy on your behalf. No matter the medical setting, pregnancy can feel like a whirlwind of emotions and actions. There are all kinds of healthcare professionals, things are happening fast, and feelings often get lost in the haze.
Fortunately, a doula will speak up for you. Your family’s needs, preferences, and birth plan are all backed by the doula at your side. Feeling judged or undervalued? Lacking the confidence or knowledge to become a truly active participant throughout your pregnancy?
Your doula has you covered! You’ll be able to better communicate to medical staff exactly what you need and want, without fear of being misheard. If navigating the complex medical system has you worried, definitely consider a doula to help.
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2. Reduced Complication Risk
According to numerous studies, doulas present during labor are correlated with improved outcomes for both you and your baby. In one study from the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, women who received ongoing support from a doula actually had shorter labors, fewer C-sections, and lower rates of epidural use.
Why is that, you wonder? It’s simple. Doulas are highly skilled in providing comfort and assurance, through things like massages, breathing exercises, positioning guidance, and just outright emotional backing. In other words, doulas use natural methods to promote natural deliveries. With less stress, anxiety, and pain, your birth can go significantly smoother.
Scientifically speaking, the less stressful the environment during pregnancy, the more of the feel-good hormone, oxytocin, your body produces. This, in turn, helps with contractions, reducing tension and allowing for a cleaner, safer birth.
Studies also indicate that birthing mothers who use doulas require fewer interventions, whether that be the use of forceps, episiotomies (surgical incisions), or fetal monitoring.
3. Better Postpartum Recovery
While there’s a lot of focus on the birth itself, many people forget the trials and tribulations of post-birth. The postpartum period is actually quite important, one of the more critical stages in the entire process.
Just think of all it entails. You’ve got all sorts of emotional and physical challenges and decisions, many of which need to be addressed as soon as possible. How will you manage infant care? In what ways can you best recover from childbirth? What’s the best way to breastfeed? How about postpartum depression?
Fortunately, doulas can aid with all of this. They are highly proficient in managing the emotional, physical, and informational rollercoaster that is pregnancy. A doula can even assist with mundane daily tasks, such as house chores, running errands, or other concerns that distract from your newborn.
With the help of a doula, you can best focus on what matters most: bonding with your baby, and getting some rest!
4. Culturally Competent Care
Research indicates that Black mothers experience higher rates of medical discrimination and pregnancy complications. While part of this may be due to unique biological factors, a lot of it can be attributed to the lack of culturally sensitive medical staff.
This is why an empathetic and understanding doula is so vital. As your advocate and confidante, a doula can help express your particular needs as a Black mother. This could be anything from certain pains and conditions common in Black mothers to specific cultural practices that you want to be carried out during your pregnancy.
The sad part is, as amazing as pregnancy can be, many Black mothers-to-be may feel powerless. They may feel as if their voices go unheard, leading to a sense of disempowerment and disengagement.
Thankfully, a skilled doula will foster an environment where you feel valued and appreciated. This, in turn, can help ensure you are getting your medical staff’s full and unbiased attention.
Do you have family traditions to incorporate on the day of your birth? Are there certain medications you’d prefer or not want? Are you culturally opposed to specific procedures? Let your doula be your ambassador on all accounts.
RELATED: Redefining Black Maternal Care: 3 Ways to Take Charge of Your Health
5. Improved Family Bonding
If you just gave birth, especially if you’re a new mother, the whole event can be overwhelming. You’re exhausted, you’re in a daze, and it seems like everything is coming at you a million miles an hour.
Simply put, for many Black mothers, the adjustment curve can be quite steep.
Fortunately, a good doula will have you prepared well in advance. You can learn about topics such as labor preparation, lactation, caring for your infant, and maximizing your recovery after birth. This will not only give you confidence but provide the most practical guidance to ensure both you and your baby enjoy the best outcomes possible.
Pregnancy is a journey! So, prepare appropriately. Get guidance, answer questions, and establish an open dialogue with both your doula and your partner.
With a trusted doula, you can learn how to navigate even the most trying challenges together. In other words, you’ll never feel alone in your experience.
Because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about. Thanks to the multi-faceted role of the doula, you can always feel like you’re informed and capable. And, as time goes on, when the doula’s role is over, you’ll be more than ready to handle it all!
