World Doula Week is happening March 22-28, 2022.
Kicking off on World Doula Day, the goal of World Doula Week is to showcase the impact that birth and postpartum doulas have on the physiological, social, emotional, and psychological health of women, newborns and families in the postpartum period.
Doulas are non-medical professionals who provide informational, educational and physical support during pregnancy, labor, delivery and for the first twelve weeks of the postpartum period.
The benefits of the presence of doulas in birth and in the postpartum period include:
Reduces the incidence of C-sections
May shorten the length of labor
Reduces epidural and analgesic requests
Increases breastfeeding initiation and continuation
Increases mother’s satisfaction of birth experience
Can reduce the incidence of postpartum mood disorders
Increases new parents’ confidence in the care of their newborn
Jenna Arsenault Postpartum Doula provides postpartum care to Charleston and Mount Pleasant families and is now taking inquiries for mid to late 2022. You can learn more here.
Throughout history, women have supported each other during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. In today’s society of scattered friends and families, doulas fill this vital role of support for the people birthing the next generation. Many growing families are relocating to the Charleston and Mount Pleasant area. Without family close by, having doula support is especially beneficial and comforting.
Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s biggest transitions and greatest joys. However, many parents find themselves feeling extremely isolated and overwhelmed during pregnancy and after the baby is born once the initial excitement has subsided.
Hiring a doula can help reverse those feelings of stress and isolation. Doulas can provide the support that new families need to have a pregnancy and postpartum period that is filled with feelings of contentment and empowerment.
In honor of World Doula Week, here are the top 4 benefits of hiring a doula:
Non-judgmental support. A doula does not come in with a specific birthing plan or parenting style. Doulas do not push specific ways of doing things. A doula is there to help you come up with your own birth plan and parenting style. She’ll help you figure out what feels right for your family. Doulas are also expert listeners who have no baggage of a family history with you.
More enjoyable maternity leave. Doulas help ease the transition for new parents. Having a baby is a major life change. Doulas are there to calmly support you through the shift and help you focus on enjoying it rather than muddling through it alone.
Expert advice. Your doula can share what works for other families and other ideas and tips based on her training and experience, IF YOU ASK. It’s so wonderful to have all your questions answered by a trusted professional instead of relying on Google.
Decreased risk of postpartum depression & anxiety. Research has shown that new mothers who feel supported tend to report less problems with postpartum mental health.
