Why a Doula should be Part of Your Birth Team
Jan 03, 2020
By Kim Vopni, The Vagina Coach — Certified Pelvic Floor Fitness Specialist · Published January 3, 2020
Direct Answer
A doula is a trained, non-clinical birth companion who supports you prenatally, through labour and into early motherhood. Continuous doula support is linked to shorter labours with fewer complications, less need for Pitocin, forceps, vacuum extraction or cesarean, fewer requests for pain medication, and a more positive memory of birth.
Key Takeaways
- A doula complements your midwife or doctor rather than replacing them — the support is physical, emotional and informational, not clinical.
- Continuous labour support is associated with shorter labours and fewer complications.
- Doula support may reduce the need for Pitocin, forceps, vacuum extraction and cesarean birth.
- Women with a doula tend to request less pain medication and report a more positive birth experience.
- Fewer interventions generally means less strain on the perineum and pelvic floor, which pays off in recovery.
- Book early and interview a few doulas — trust and fit matter as much as credentials.
Why I Love Doulas
In my last post about Why I Love Midwives, I spoke of a birth team. A doula is an integral part of that birth team both prenatally, during your birth and as you transition to motherhood.
Pelvic Floor and Diastasis Recti Assessment and Screening for Midwives
I did not have a Doula at my births (close to 10 years ago now!) because I didn’t know about them, but I certainly know about them now – in my business, I work closely with Doulas and have even trained as a Doula myself!
In honour of World Doula Week here are a few things about Doulas that I think you should know along with a few sites I think you should check out.
- Having a Doula at your birth tends to result in shorter labour with fewer complications
- Having a Doula can help reduce negative feelings about your childbirth experience
- Having a Doula may reduce the need for Pitocin (a labour-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction, and cesareans
- Having a Doula can reduce the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals
Here are some great sites about Doulas that are well worth reading:
Recommended Programs:
ABC Challenge is a short 7-day challenge that introduces you to my philosophy of pelvic floor fitness. It is available free and is a glimpse into my now-famous Buff Muff Challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a doula? A doula is a trained birth and postpartum support person. They are not a medical provider — their role is continuous physical comfort, emotional reassurance and practical information so you can make confident decisions during labour.
What is the difference between a doula and a midwife? A midwife is a clinical care provider who monitors you and your baby and delivers the baby. A doula provides non-clinical support and stays with you continuously. They do different jobs and work well side by side.
Do I still need a doula if I have a midwife? Many women choose both. A midwife may be managing clinical care and can change shifts; a doula stays with you throughout and can also support your partner.
What are the evidence-based benefits of having a doula? Research on continuous labour support points to shorter labours, fewer complications, less use of Pitocin, forceps, vacuum extraction and cesarean, less pain medication, and more positive feelings about the birth.
When should I hire a doula? Early in pregnancy is ideal, since good doulas book up quickly. Interview a few and choose the one you feel most comfortable being vulnerable around.
Do doulas help after the baby arrives? Yes. Postpartum doulas support feeding, rest, newborn care and the emotional transition to motherhood, which is exactly when many women are most under-supported.
Does having a doula protect my pelvic floor? Indirectly. Fewer instrumental deliveries and less coached, rushed pushing generally means less trauma to the perineum and pelvic floor. You still need to train and rehabilitate those muscles yourself, and guided programming inside the Buff Muff membership covers both preparation and recovery.
Kim Vopni, known as The Vagina Coach, is a certified fitness professional, menopause support practitioner, women’s health educator, and author specializing in pelvic floor health. For over 15 years she has helped women worldwide address issues like incontinence, organ prolapse, pelvic pain and core dysfunction through fitness and education. Kim is the creator of the Buff Muff Method and founder of Pelvienne Wellness Inc., and co-founder of Buff Muff Wellness Inc where she provides online programs, in person professional teacher training, and other resources designed to help women build lifelong pelvic health.
- Creator of the Buff Muff Method™
- Founder of Pelvienne Wellness Inc.
- Co-Founder of Buff Muff Wellness Inc.
- Creator of Kegels & Cocktails™
- Certified fitness professional specializing in pelvic health
- Certified Menopause Support Practitioner
- Author of multiple books on pelvic floor health
- Speaker and educator featured on prominent media, podcasts and health platforms
Related Reading:
My Top Tips for Creating a Birth and Recovery Plan
Position Yourself for the Best Birth Possible
One Woman's Perspective on Preparing for Birth with Exercise
Breathe, Breastfeed and Bathe: Helping Heal Your Postpartum Body
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