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When you’re pregnant and preparing for your baby’s arrival, there are several things you consider. Right from your dietary needs to your sleeping patterns, you make changes to your lifestyle. You also consult your doctor and find what exercises work best for you.
Those nine months of preparations come to an end when you go into labor and finally get to hold your little one in your arms. You’ve probably read all the books and heard all the scary stories of how labor is, which may make you extremely nervous and anxious.
To get you through this day and make it a tad easier, several people can offer support — emotional and physical. A doula is one such person, and you may choose to have one by your side to help you get through your childbirth. Scroll below to know more about who exactly a doula is and how they help you.
Who Is A Doula?
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When your due date is coming close, you are probably more and more nervous about how those terrifying last few hours of your pregnancy will be. It’s natural to feel this way. Sometimes, the only thing that can help you is a strong support system, and doulas are that and more.
A doula is a person who provides you and your partner with physical and emotional support during pregnancy, childbirth, and even postpartum. They are different from midwives because they are not equipped to deliver babies or provide medical care. Doulas are professional labor assistants who help you and comfort you through techniques like touch, massage, and assisted breathing (1).
Why New Doulas Are Better
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Doulas have been around for over a decade and have gained popularity over the years. If you’re looking for a doula, you might think that experience gives them an advantage, and you’re probably right. But here are a few reasons why a new doula who is just starting with their journey is better for you:
- Excitement and Eagerness
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New doulas are excited to learn. They are fresh, eager, and full of energy. They don’t mind the 3 am call and will probably jump out of bed to help you. New doulas are not burned out by years of being on-call or jaded by being poorly treated by their long list of customers. They are closer in age to you, super excited, and feel honored to help a woman out.
- Expense And Availability
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Doulas who are starting out in the field are enthusiastic about creating a name for themselves, making them available to you 24/7. They are most likely less expensive than experienced doulas and will probably put you first (maybe even before their family and friends). They value your time and comfort a lot more than doulas who’ve been around for a while.
- Higher Energy And Stamina
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You could receive an emergency call at any time, and you have to be prepared to drop everything and attend to your pregnant ladies. Doing this year after year can be exhausting. Luckily, new doulas have not reached that threshold yet and are filled with energy and stamina. They will probably be ever ready to attend to you, and that’s something you want in your doula.
- Fired Up For Change
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New doulas are great because they love to engage in all things about mother and baby. They like to keep themselves updated with evidence-based birth, informed consent, and mother-baby-centered care. They are the ones who fight to bring change and are sometimes the driving force behind change in policies and legislation in hospitals.
- Eager To Learn
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There is so much to learn, unlearn and relearn every day. New doulas are a classic example of this process. They keep themselves updated on the latest techniques and know a lot about recent trends in childbirth and mother-baby care. They are eager to learn and looking for opportunities to better themselves.
Going into labor can be stressful and overwhelming. During that time, wouldn’t you want someone with these characteristics to be by your side? If you choose to have a doula, consider going with the new ones, and you might just have a pleasant labor experience. Did you opt for a doula during your pregnancy? We would love to hear about your experience with them. Share them with us in the comments below.
