Benefits of Birth & Postpartum Doulas

Birth and postpartum doulas might feel like a new concept because you are just hearing about them, but the truth is, they have been around in some form since people have been having babies. Mothers in the family and/or community would join together to support each other during birth and postpartum.

You know that old saying, “it takes a village to raise a child”? Well, it also takes a village to raise a parent too, and a doula can be a valuable part of your village.

There have even been studies on doulas, and the conclusions have all been benefits for the birthing person and family. This is HUGE!

Benefits of the presence of doulas during pregnancy and birth:

• Someone to listen to your thoughts, anxieties & fears

• Feeling more confident about going into labor and birth

• Not feeling alone during labor

• Helping your birth partner feel included in the process

• Feeling empowered by your birth experience

• Decreases in:

  • Labor Time

  • Chances of C-section

  • Usage of pain medication

• Increases in:

  • Spontaneous Vaginal Birth

  • Birth Satisfaction

Benefits of a doula during the postpartum period:

• More baby cuddles & bonding

• More naps & showers (you’d be surprised how often a shower gets skipped once baby arrives)

• More time for yourself (do you need alone time to be able to function or decompress? Maybe it’s in the shower or it’s a walk by yourself once you’re ready for movement)

• Doing less dishes

• Doing less laundry

• Someone to listen to you (venting or otherwise, another adult is nice to have around for conversation)

• Help setting boundaries with family, friends, neighbors

• Help with groceries/meal prep

• Decrease in the incidence of perinatal mood disorders

• Increases In:

  • Breastfeeding initiation and continuation

  • Parents’ confidence in the care of their newborn

• Help with older siblings

• All of the referrals! If you need additional help, doulas have connections to lactation specialists, pediatricians, pelvic floor therapists, chiropractors, etc.

“We were so unbelievably grateful for you to be right by our side through labor and recovery.” 

-Birth and Postpartum Client, Shaker Heights

Aunt Sarah Doula is now taking inquiries for August through the end of 2022.  You can learn more about the services offered here.

Aunt Sarah Doula

Sarah helps families throughout Northeast Ohio by providing birth and postpartum doula support.  Contact her today auntsarahdoula@gmail.com to learn more.