If you are pregnant and in the process of putting together your birth plan, then you should also be thinking about whether you want a doula. A doula can bring a lot of great things to the table when it comes to improving your overall birthing experience. If you aren't familiar with what a doula is, then keep reading here and you'll learn more about them, so you will know if getting one will be a good choice for you.

What a doula does

A doula is someone you have during your pregnancy and birth to help provide you with things like comfort, guidance, encouragement, and advice. Having one working with you can really help, especially if you are the type of person who tends to worry or who just likes to have as much support around you as possible. Also, sometimes people who are lacking partners find that having a doula is exceptionally comforting because they have someone there for them when they would otherwise be alone.

The duties of the doula

Doulas will not be able to give you medical advice because they are not doctors. However, they can give you general advice on pregnancy and birth which can prove to be very helpful. One of the main areas where a doula will focus is on helping you to stay calm by showing you a variety of relaxation techniques. They can also help you to better prepare your body for the birthing process by teaching you some exercises.

A doula will be able to help you to understand things, such as what to expect during the birth, as well as what you can expect at your exams. They can even accompany you to your appointments and be there to help you remember things the doctor said when you are so anxious you may forget. The doula can even act as your translator if there are things being discussed that you are having a difficult time understanding.

The doula can help you to learn about ways you can help to control pain on your own, decreasing your need for pain medication during the birthing process. Some of the different ways they can help you to control pain levels include such techniques as aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, music therapy, and more.

Conclusion

If you think you may want the assistance of a doula, then you should talk to one as soon as possible. The sooner you get yourself set up with one, the sooner you can start benefiting from the great things they have to offer. Contact doula program services for more information.