Are you debating between a midwife or a doula? I had both at my birth and I highly recommend that approach! 

Doulas are trained professionals that help you with the emotional and educational aspects of birth.   Doulas offer birth education classes, support during the actual labor, and postpartum care for you and your little one. Doulas support you in different situations, from home to hospital births. They can be an advocate for you in difficult scenarios, so you can focus on giving birth and having the best experience possible. You can find doula recommendations through your pregnancy care provider or online. 

I planned to have a homebirth with a midwife. I was on the fence about needing a doula. I was working in an office filled with doulas at the time. I had considered all of them but I still was unsure. It wasn’t until after a couple of conversations with Ashley about topics unrelated to birth, that I realized I needed HER to be my doula. The doula-client relationship is a very special one. You need someone that you can connect with and that you can envision being part of this journey with you. Ashley had the calmest demeanor. One of my main reasons for having a homebirth was being able to be in the calm, comfortable environment of my home. It was all about the vibe for me. After talking to Ashley I knew she fit that vibe. I knew that I could feel perfectly comfortable with her there supporting me but in the way I needed to be supported. 

Doulas are there for your support. That is their main job. I knew that I wouldn’t know exactly what kind of support I would need until I experienced birthing a baby, but I knew Ashley could provide me with the right kind of support. And boy, did she. It wasn’t just during labor either. She was there through my pregnancy from the time we decided to work together. She answered my endless questions about all sorts of things. She provided me with great information and a second opinion to my midwife. During labor she was everything. She helped guide my husband to support me in the best way possible. She provided a steadfast strength that got me through. In the moments I didn’t think I could go any longer she made me look her in the eye and told me “you’ve got this.” She reminded me that I would soon get to meet my baby and smell him. I remember her telling me he would smell like cookies. And she was right. 

Ashley provided me with the support I need to give birth to my son at home. If you are planning a hospital birth I believe you need a doula even more. A doula can advocate for you in the most vulnerable time of your life when you need it the most. 

Looking for a postpartum planner to help navigate the time after birth? Check out my postpartum planner which I created to help plan everything from visitors to grocery orders.