Why Do I Need a Doula? How a Doula Can Help During Birth
Why Do I Need a Doula? How a Doula Can Help You During Birth
Pregnancy and birth are powerful, life-changing experiences — but they can also feel overwhelming, especially with so many unknowns. That’s where a doula comes in. A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and shortly after birth. We don’t replace your medical care provider; we walk alongside you, helping you feel informed, supported, and empowered every step of the way.
Here’s how having a doula on your birth team can make a real difference.
1. Continuous Emotional Support
Unlike doctors or nurses who may come and go during your labor, a doula stays by your side the entire time. Whether your birth is a few hours or a few days, I’m there to offer calm reassurance, encouragement, and comfort — for both you and your partner.
2. Comfort Measures for Labor
I’ll guide you through proven comfort techniques to help manage pain and encourage your labor’s progress, such as:
Massage and counterpressure
Breathing techniques
Position changes
Use of birth balls or rebozos
Soothing touch and relaxation cues
3. Advocacy & Information
During labor, things can happen quickly, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. As your doula, I help you understand your options and remind you of your birth preferences. I don’t make medical decisions for you, but I do help you communicate with your care team so you can make informed choices.
4. Support for Your Partner
Partners often want to be helpful but aren’t always sure what to do. I offer guidance so your partner can be involved at a level they’re comfortable with. I can suggest hands-on comfort measures, give them breaks, and make sure they also feel supported.
5. Reduced Intervention Rates
Research shows that having a doula present during labor can lead to:
Shorter labors
Less need for pain medication
Lower rates of interventions like vacuum or forceps
Higher rates of spontaneous vaginal birth
Lower cesarean rates
6. Better Birth Experience
At the heart of it, a doula’s role is to help you feel safe, respected, and cared for. Birth memories last a lifetime, and I want you to look back on yours feeling proud, heard, and supported — no matter how your birth unfolds.
A doula doesn’t just show up for your birth — we prepare together, build trust, and create a plan that honors your needs.
If you’re pregnant in Lancaster County, PA, (or surrounding counties) and want to feel supported from pregnancy through your first moments with your baby, I’d love to talk about working together.
Contact me today to book your free consultation.
Warmly,
Angela
angelavale.studio@gmail.com