There are many benefits to hiring a doula, not least what is known as the doula effect. Research shows that having a doula can, among other things, reduce the risk of cesarean section and instrumental birth, lead to a shorter labor, decrease the need for medical pain relief, improve bonding and breastfeeding, and increase the likelihood that you and your (if applicable) partner feel more involved and satisfied with the birth overall. Support from a doula also reduces the risk of postpartum depression.

As a bonus, you receive a private and comprehensive childbirth preparation course, where you can continue to have the same support person present and the same knowledge available throughout the birth. You don't need to feel that you "have to remember everything" that is covered several weeks before the birth; instead, you can practice what feels relevant to you and then receive hands-on help, support, and guidance with all exercises and techniques during labor itself. A wonderful toolbox for anyone who feels they would benefit from or feel more secure having access to it.

A lot is written about what you "need" to do during pregnancy and in preparation for birth. Does that mean you can't give birth without preparatory classes, exercises, doula tips, meditation, six dates a day, and all the extra frills around it? No.

You are fully capable of giving birth without all of that. The body can give birth when it is given the right conditions, and you know best what you personally need. Patience, trust, and a sense of safety are, however, generally three cornerstones that all birthing people need. The challenge is that today's strained healthcare system is not designed to provide optimal conditions or to truly listen to each individual. As a result, a bit more awareness and more active choices are often required to bridge that gap if you want to give birth on your own terms.

With the support of a doula, you can significantly improve your chances of having a safe, calm, and positive experience. One where you feel respected, seen, and empowered afterward. It's not a necessity, but for many it is an investment that can benefit the whole family, both in the short and long term.

My role as a doula is never about replacing or taking over the partner's place. We are a team that work together, and I'm happy to support the birthing person through the partner. A partner can often offer a more intimate kind of support in ways that I, as a doula, cannot. During our prenatal meetings, we also try out different ways of supporting together.

A partner's role often centers on closeness and love as support, and they are usually positioned near the birthing person's head—holding hands or offering physical presence. My role as a doula may, for example, focus more on supporting the partner with different techniques, guiding the birthing person into relaxation and helping them find a rhythm that works, offering pain-relief methods, creating a sense of manageability, and using my expertise to facilitate the birth in various ways. With a doula present, the partner can often relax more and fully focus on being a present, emotional support, rather than feeling the need to keep track of everything that's happening and being communicated around them.

The doula and the partner can also work together and take turns with massage and counterpressure (such as hip squeezes, knee pressure, etc.) to maintain stamina and vary positions. You can also alternate so that each person has time to eat, stretch their body, or use the bathroom during the birth.

Doulas are now a common presence at births, and cooperation with midwives and healthcare staff is rarely an issue. Together, we form a team around the birthing person, all sharing the goal of making the birth as positive as possible.

As a doula, I have no medical responsibility, and I am very clear about where the boundaries between areas of responsibility lie. My role focuses on the birthing person's experience and on creating a calm, safe, and personal atmosphere in the room. I provide continuous support regardless of shift changes and the like, something that is most often appreciated by the midwives.

My primary task, however, is to safeguard my clients' wishes and birth space. This means that situations may arise where I need to speak up to prevent clear boundary violations or when staff are not listening. This can, of course, create a slightly tense atmosphere in the room, but it is temporary and is generally welcomed by the person giving birth regardless.

Since a doula cannot be on call for an unlimited number of births, it's a good idea to get in touch for an informal meeting as soon as you start considering hiring one. This gives you time to explore options, meet different doulas to find someone with the right personal chemistry and whom you feel completely comfortable with, and it allows that doula to reserve your on-call period in their schedule.

The doula effect primarily comes from the sense of security that arises when you have an established relationship to lean on once labor begins. For this reason, it's generally beneficial, if possible, to give yourself plenty of time to get to know your doula. In short, don't wait to send a message and say hello - the earlier, the better for you.

If labor were to start before the on-call period begins, I will still do everything I can to come and provide support just as I normally would. Should I, against all odds, be unable to make it, I would contact your backup doula, and if she is also unavailable, I would try to arrange support through another doula in my network.

Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions about this, and we'll find a solution that feels right for you. It's rarely ever a problem to resolve.