When you give yourself a Doula....

Anna Rhodes, traveling Oklahoma City Birth Doula, comforts laboring Mom at Mercy Hospital

Many times as I begin sharing any of my own birth stories, I see confusion on the persons face staring back at me.

"What is that? A Doula?" they ask.

I'll go on to say something quick and brief like, "Oh, a doula is someone you bring in to your birthing space who helps you tremendously during labor and delivery".

Sometimes the conversation advances into something more and other times they are satisfied enough with that simple answer.

But the truth is, Doulas are way more than that.

Anna providing instant relief from nausea by using essential oils

dou·la: a woman who assists women during labor and after childbirth

A Doula:

• is passionate about the birthing process and is completely comfortable, calm, and relaxed when being in a birthing space.

• is a non-medical support person but who has been specially trained and educated in doula study and courses by a regional or national organization and may have earned further certification and/or credentials

• cares very deeply about assisting you develop a birth plan you believe in and then helping you implement it when in labor

• advocates for your rights as a patient as well as the rights of your newborn baby

• is educated in how to best prepare a woman's body for labor and can provide you helpful tools and tips to get your body ready and baby in an optimal position for childbirth

• also assists fathers/husbands/partners by allowing them to be more focused on you as well as taking care of themselves. It's so important that Dad's also get the sleep they need and food in their belly's so they, too, can be energized and ready when baby arrives.

• is said to reduce your risk of cesarean section by 25%

• increases your chance of spontaneous vaginal birth by 8%

• shortens labor on average by 41 minutes

• decreases your baby's risk of a low Apgar score by 38%

• lowers the risk of being dissatisfied by your overall birth experience by 31%

*percentages shown are from the Evidence Based Birth website*

So when you give yourself a Doula, she will probably:

• squeeze your hips during contractions

• brush your hair to help you relax and feel amazing

• put chapstick on your lips

• make you laugh

• give you a boost in confidence

• massage your back with special rollers or tennis balls

• rub your legs and feet

• make sure you are well hydrated and nourished (she will literally help feed you and drink water)

• look at you in your eyes when you've declared you can't do it and very softly and calmly reply, "you ARE doing it."

• make sure you are able to sleep and get your rest

• assist your baby in latching on for his/her first nursing session after birth

• fill up your labor and/or birth tub and make sure it stays at a comfortable and constant temperature

• make you feel the most beautiful you've ever been in a time you might feel oppositely

• tell you birth affirmations and/or read scripture

• setup your birth play list if you have one

• fan you when you are hot

• cover you in blankets when you are cold

• help move you in different and optimal positions throughout your labor

• support the choices or changes you make along the way

• make sure your husband/birth partner is also well cared for and taken care of

• take a nap when you are napping- she needs her energy and strength, too.

• stay by your side no matter how long it takes for 18+ hours

• hold your hand and allow you to almost crush hers as you squeeze tightly. She won't complain.

• clean up any messes you may accidentally make (like me, when I spilled my ice water all over myself and the floor)

• talk to any nurses and/or providers on your behalf if that is your desire

• make arrangements for your placenta to be stored appropriately if you are going to encapsulate it

• visit you after birth to make sure all of your needs are being met

• become a life-long friend

and so, so much more.

Anna Rhodes, Birth Doula, in Oklahoma City providing support at Mercy Birthplace

Oklahoma Doula Anna Rhodes with First Embrace Birth Services relieving mom of labor pains

Oklahoma Doula gently grazing mom's feet and ankles through contractions

Oklahoma City Doula Anna Rhodes reviewing patient's contractions at Mercy Hospital

Anna Rhodes, First Embrace Birth Services, providing Doula support throughout labor

Oklahoma Doula using peanut ball during childbirth at Mercy Birthplace in OKC

Anna Rhodes, birth doula in Oklahoma, talking with her client during labor

Birth Doula in Oklahoma City assisting her client with her blood pressure cuff

Oklahoma City Birth Doula looking over her laboring mom

Anna Rhodes, Birth Doula in OKC, laughing along with her client

Birth Photographer in Oklahoma City captures Doula caring for her client at Mercy Hospital

Oklahoma Birth Photographer captures fun moment from birth with Birth Doula

Oklahoma City Doula coaching mom through her contractions

Birth Doula in Oklahoma holding mama's hand during contractions

OKC Birth Doula making sure client gets a sweet first photo

Birth Doula in Oklahoma brushing hair out of clients face

Oklahoma City Birth Photographer captures Birth Doula assisting with lactation support

Birth Photographer in Oklahoma City gets shot of Doula doting over new family

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If you give yourself a Doula, you might:

• have the best birth you've ever imagined possible

• have also given your Husband/Partner the reassurance and confidence that he will gain knowing there is an expert in the room to help him, too.

• wear a continuous smile on your face for the next month or more as you reflect back on the friendship you've recieved

• swear to your newly pregnant friends that they must hire a doula!

• sing her praises wherever your go

• become an advocate for doulas

• become a doula yourself!

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So you tell me........ What did you get when you gave yourself a Doula? Tell me below in the comments.

you may find more information on Oklahoma Birth Doula, Anna Rhodes, with First Embrace Birth Services by clicking here.