Do I really need a Doula if I’m getting an Epidural?
There seems to be this idea that doulas are only necessary if you plan on having an unmedicated birth, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. A doulas role is to provide physical, emotional, and sometimes mental or spiritual support. Another role of a doula is to provide education to their clients so they can make an informed decision regarding their birth and newborn baby.
Short answer: YES! You absolutely need a Doula even if you plan on getting an epidural. Let’s take a look at some of the different ways a doula can support you even if you choose an epidural.
Education & Resources: Your doula can help provide education on the labor & delivery process, including what the epidural procedure may be like. Some doulas may even provide education on postpartum and newborn care. This education can help clients make informed decisions about the care they would like to receive and the care they would like their new baby to receive as well.
Pain management before receiving the epidural: Your doula can help you work through and manage your labor pain before you receive your epidural, and while you receive it as well. Not to mention, an epidural could only work for half of your body, or not at all. Or what if you’re too far progressed to receive the epidural? A doula if good to have for those “just-incase” moments that may present themselves during your labor.
Relaxation: While the epidural may be effective in relieving pain, it probably won’t relieve the anxiety and fears that come with labor and delivery. A doula can help set the mood in the room and use relaxation techniques such as aromatherapy, breathing, & massage to help keep you calm, focused, and relaxed as best she can while you wait for your little one to make their way earth side.
Positions: It is crucial to keep moving your body while in labor, but being numb from the waist down makes that very difficult. Your doula can help position you in ways that keep your labor progressing, and can even help hold a leg when it comes to pushing time!
Postpartum: Doulas can be a huge help after your baby has been born! Your doula can make sure you have the immediate postpartum you planned for: immediate skin-to-skin, delayed cord clamping, dad cutting the cord, and some doulas can even help with your babies first feed!
There are so many benefits to having a doula no matter what type of birth you’re planning! When interviewing with Doulas, ask them about the ways they can support the type of birth you want to have. And if you’re on the fence about whether or not you want an epidural, let your doula know, she is the best tool for preparing you for labor and all of the challenges that come with it!
