It’s a near crisis in our country that women are still experiencing traumatic birth, with the maternal mortality in the U.S. being at an all time high.

Part of this may be due to the increase in cesarian births, but I suspect it’s also largely due to the  decrease in childbirth education (ultimately leading to lower advocacy for mothers.)

In a medical setting, your health care professional have an enormous responsibility (yes, your welfare but also hospital policy, liability, etc.). What they are not responsible for, however, is your emotional and mental wellbeing. That’s where a doula may help.

It may sound like a far stretch to say that a woman’s life may be saved by the presence of a doula but if the role of a doula is completely dedicated to the mother’s emotional support and continuity of care – that means you will always have a witness (important for all the obvious reasons) and companion to help you advocate for yourself.

A doula is not a medical professional (thus will not provide medical advice), nor is a doula meant to substitute your partner. But having that support, someone who knows your birth plan/trigger/desires, especially if things don’t go according to plan, could make the world of difference.

The birth of your child can be a beautiful experience. You have more autonomy over your body and more options regarding your care than you may know. 

Find a DONA doula you vibe with. For all the things you can’t control about your birth, you deserve to be equipped with what you need to know while being in the care of someone whose #1 priority is your emotional wellbeing.

In strength + wellness,
Samantha