Why A Doula Is Good For First-Time Pregnant Mothers

If you're expecting your first baby, you are probably doing all you can to prepare for labor, delivery, and life with your baby after birth. However, first-time moms can feel apprehension or fear because they don't know what to expect, even after reading plenty of books and talking with doctors at prenatal appointments.

You should consider hiring a doula to help support you during your pregnancy, delivery, and during the recovery time after birth when you are learning to care for your infant. Here are some reasons why a doula is good for first-time mothers. 

Support of Your Birth Plan

Your doula will help you to feel empowered as you approach your due date. To help yourself feel more prepared, you doula can help you put your goals and vision for your baby's birth into a birth plan, which will help you communicate your wishes to medical staff. 

For example, if you wish to have a natural birth without medication, you can say this on your birth plan. Alternatively, you can say you want pain relief as soon as possible. You can also give instructions for your baby's care. Many hospitals like to bathe a baby very soon after birth, but some mothers prefer to wait if at all possible.

Your doula will encourage you to make your birth plan fit your desires, and when you are in labor, your doula will help ensure that your birth plan is followed whenever possible. 

Care for Small Details

When you are in labor, you main focus should be on yourself and your baby. Unfortunately, mothers can be interrupted from labor by people asking them questions or by small irritations that make such a huge task more painful or frustrating.

Your doula works to take care of all the details of your birth experience so that you can be left in peace as much as possible. Doulas can talk to nurses about the comforts of the room, run errands to get things from the store or from your vehicle that you might have forgotten, and work with nurses to implement your birth plan so that you don't have to worry about it. 

Coaching and Breathing

Doulas work hard to prepare you for delivery by coaching you on breathing and visualization techniques. They can also help your partner know techniques that will help you. Doulas can provide massage and counter pressure to help with contractions, they can give you physical support if you need to move around the room, and they can encourage your partner, if present, to take an active role in the birth of your child. 

Assistance with New Motherhood

Finally, once your baby is here, you might still need support. A doula can help in the first few days after you come home from the hospital. She can help with breastfeeding support, care for your baby while you sleep, and assist you in recovery care. Learn more about doula program services in your area today.