With everything going on in the world, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and begin wondering how exactly your doula will be able to provide support, especially if your hospital is restricting support people. While physical support is a big perk to having a doula, it’s definitely not the only way your doula can help. So, here are a 10 profound ways a doula can help you, without ever stepping into the room!
1. Your birth doula can prepare you for what to expect in a hospital, birth center or even at home. We pride ourselves on staying up-to-date on local hospital and birth center protocols, which include typical procedures, interventions, and guidelines for supporting families in the midst of this pandemic. Even with the hospital climates and policies changing regularly to adjust to new CDC and WHO guidelines, we have an incredible network of doctors, midwives, and nurses that we can reach out to so that you stay informed and have a greater sense of control.
2. Technology is a great asset currently and we have access to Zoom so that your doula is available to guide you through breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and physical stretches or varying positions to help keep you grounded and prepare for birth.
3. Prenatal visits are easily done through Zoom while the stay-at-home orders are in place. With digital documents and virtual prenatal visits, your doula is there to help you prioritize your values and your birth preferences and assist you in creating a birth plan.
4. Your doula is an incredible resource for emotional support and is there to encourage and counsel you on how to manage your unique emotional needs. This may include visualizations, meditations, guided relaxation and other similar tools to help you through pregnancy, but also in labor. Additionally, we have a wonderful group of therapists we can refer you to in Orange County and Long Beach who are available for telehealth sessions.
5. If you choose to forego in-person support, your virtual doula is still available to coach you through labor - whether you choose to labor at home for a while or go to the hospital. She is available by phone, text or even video chat throughout your labor and you can call on her anytime!
6. Doulas have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to information and evidence-based information. With that knowledge your doula is available to help you navigate through receiving informed consent when making decisions in pregnancy, during labor, and even after your baby arrives. She supports you without judgment and helps you find your voice so that you feel confident making decisions that are best for your family, your body and your baby.
7. Postpartum preparation is equally as important as preparing for birth. During your virtual prenatal visits, your doula can help you put together a realistic and empowering postpartum & baby care plan to ensure that you and your family are well-supported in the weeks and months following your baby’s birth. Many of our birth doulas are also postpartum doulas and can be available to provide virtual or in-home postpartum support as well.
8. Doulas have a lot of experience working with hospital staff and care providers. Your doula can be a wonderful resource in helping you build relationship with your Labor Nurses or Postpartum/Baby Nurse. It’s incredibly important to develop a connection with those who provide your care, not only for your comfort level, but also to ensure that they are aware of your birth preferences.
9. Your doula is a listening ear, available whenever you need her. From helping you deal with any fears or nerves in pregnancy, to listening as you share your birth story over and over again, she is there as a sounding board to help you process everything you feel and experience.
10. Your virtual birth doula is a constant source of support, not only in pregnancy and throughout labor, but in early postpartum as well. Her expertise and encouragement can help make sure your postpartum experience is as positive as possible. She can provide referrals, resources, and virtual guidance with newborn care and breast or bottle feeding.
While doula support may look a little different nowadays, your doulas commitment to supporting you never changes. Even if she can’t physically by your side, her virtual presence is valuable and can help you in so many ways!
If you’re looking for a doula in Orange County or the surrounding areas, we’d be honored to help you find an amazing one. If in-person support isn’t an option, many of our doulas also offer virtual doula support as well as birth & postpartum planning consultations, anywhere in the US! You deserve support and we are here to provide it!
