Our culture has convinced us that birth is the most terrifyingly painful and horrible experience of our lives. Most new parents have never witnessed someone giving birth before in 'real life' and have no idea of what the birth process looks and feels like. Sadly, most first-time parent's understanding about birth comes from 8th grade health class and Hollywood's portrayal of birth in movies- which is usually a chaotic scene of mom's water breaking, everyone panicking, and the laboring mother screaming and force-pushing her baby out. No wonder most first-time parents are terrified of the birth experience...we have been sold a lie.
What if I told you that it doesn't have to be this way?
Your birth experience can be beautiful, peaceful, and transformative. I can say this with confidence because I have experienced it. I have had three unmedicated, low intervention hospital births- one of which was so peaceful and serene that I didn't even realize that my baby was being born until I heard the birth team in the background whispering, "Ayla, catch your baby...she is here! Reach down and deliver your baby!"
This is why I became a doula- to change the narrative around birth and share with expecting parents how they too can have a birth experience that is gentle, empowered, and peaceful! Let me share with you how...
With a doula by your side, you'll discover amazing support, make empowering decisions, and have gently guided birth experiences. Having a birth doula can help you process your fears about birth and help you prepare for a childbirth experience that is a peaceful, informed, and memorable event. Let's talk about labor doula support and answer the big question: Why should you hire a birth doula?
Labor doula support goes beyond just helping during childbirth; it's about compassion, education, and advocacy. With a labor doula, you're not just a bystander in the birth process – you're in charge, supported by wisdom, experience, and comfort.
Often, pregnant women report that routine visits with their providers are rushed and leave them with more questions than answers. Many women also share frustration that they don't have consistency in care because they usually have a new provider each visit and no guarantee that their preferred provider will be able to attend their birth. Inconsistency and unanswered questions can leave expecting mothers feeling alone, unsure, and overwhelmed throughout their journey.
Doulas offer gentle, consistent, and compassionate care throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience. We will be with you every step of the way, so you don't have to figure it out all alone.
Because we aren't medical professionals, we will always encourage you to talk with your provider about medical questions, but we are trained to walk alongside and help you to plan for your birth and postpartum experience in every other aspect. Doulas are hired by their clients and aren't obligated to a regulatory or hospital system, so you can feel confident that YOU are our top priority. As your doula, we work for you and will always support you and your choices!
Doulas learn and deeply care about the things that matter to you. Planning for childbirth can be overwhelming, but labor doulas are there to offer evidence-based information and guidance to help you make informed decisions. During prenatal visits, we will take time to hold space for you as you process your fears, desires, and expectations for labor, birth, and postpartum. We offer educational insights and teach you everything we know about comfort measures, relaxation, and breathing techniques, so that both you and your partner feel confident and prepared about what to expect during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Everything we do and talk about is centered around YOUR desires and expectations for your birth to ensure that you have all the resources needed to craft a personalized plan to help you have the birth experience YOU desire.
The benefits of doula support goes beyond numbers; it's about having a reliable companion by your side. Research shows that having a labor doula reduces the need for medical interventions and increases satisfaction with the birth experience. This is likely because of the doula's desire to ensure that you understand your rights and options so that you can confidently advocate for yourself, knowing that you have someone in your corner to cheer you on. The calming presence of a labor doula can ease the anxiety that often comes with childbirth, especially within the hospital system. By providing continuous emotional and physical support, doulas create a peaceful space for you to go through labor confidently.
Labor doulas not only support birthing women but also encourage partners to actively participate in the process, enriching the experience for everyone involved. We guide you and your partner to deep-dive into your fears, hopes and desires for birth and advocate for you by helping you build a deeper trust in each other to cultivate a deeply meaningful birth experience for both of you. We support your partner in supporting you by encouraging, caring for, and helping you both along the way. Your partner knows you, and your doula knows birth- together we make a great team!
As you navigate the complexities of birth planning and welcome new life into the world, remember that a labor doula is there to guide you with unwavering support and wisdom. Embrace the journey, treasure every moment, and appreciate the transformative power of labor doula support.
Many blessings to you & your growing family,
Ayla
Maybe you are unsure about what kind of support you need or how to afford to hire a doula for your birth ? Send me a message! I would love to talk with you about your many options and find the best fit for you.
If you are within an hour of the Roanoke, Virginia area and desiring more support for your birth journey, you can book your FREE Discovery Consultation with me today!
Perhaps you are on the fence about doula support or just desire some more education to help you prepare for your birth journey? I'd love for you to join me for a Fear-Free Birth Class!
Check out my e-book, "Love Your Fear-Free Birth" , a free gift from me to help you take the first step in envisioning your peaceful, faith-filled birth experience.
As a Christian doula, I love helping my clients welcome their faith into their birth experience. Download these Bible Verse Cards for Labor and 64 Biblical Birth Affirmations to help you mentally or spiritually prepare for your birth journey. You can also print and post the cards around your birth space to help your partner and labor support team know what verses or phrases resonate with you so they can know exactly what to say to encourage and pray for you throughout labor.
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