What Makes a Good Birth Team?
When I say “birth team” I am not talking about your care provider. I am talking about the direct support that you will receive during your pregnancy and birth. The people who will encourage you, uplift you, pray over you, weep with you, rejoice with you. They are the people in the birthing room with you. For many people this team consists of a partner, a family member, and/or a doula.
Studies and surveys show that women with a good, encouraging, helpful support system describe their births as more enjoyable and joyous. Even when things do not go as planned.
At the start of the pandemic, with all of the limits put on who can be in the hospital or birthing center with the birthing person, this topic did not come up often. But when considering a birth team, ask yourself two things:
“Will this person encourage me, help me, and support my birth preferences?”
“Would I use the restroom in front of this person?”
Birth is a very intimate moment. It is beautiful and intense and empowering and tiring. Most women feel vulnerable at some point during the process. So if someone is in the room that does not make you feel comfortable and at ease, someone you trust completely, birth can actually slow down and even stop. This is, of course, not what we want.
If you ask yourself those questions, and both are a no, really think about if that person should be part of your team. Please understand, if a person is in the room, even if they are only watching, they are still part of your team. And they can definitely affect you and your birth.
Set yourself up to feel only love and support during your birthing.
NEW SERVICES ALERT!
I am now offering Fertility and Prenatal Doula Support!
FERTILITY DOULA
A Fertility Doula is one that walks along with mothers or couples trying to conceive, whether that journey lasts a month, six months, a year, or longer. Whether a couple conceives without intervention, with IVF, or explores fostering and adoption, every journey to parenthood should be celebrated. Sometimes it is comforting to have an extra team mate. Someone who has walked this road before, exploring various paths, and cares about you and your future child. I want to be that someone for you.
If you want the informational and emotional support from a birth professional, but are unsure if you want anyone besides your partner in the birthing room, a prenatal doula is your answer. One in person prenatal visit (more upon request), scheduled monthly phone calls, and unlimited text and email support. Virtual birth support is available upon request, as well.
If you have any questions, or if there is anything I can help you with, do not hesitate to reach out.
Lots of Love!
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