I did not have the pleasure of working with a doula during my birth experience, and honestly, I did not know a lot about what a doula could offer. My husband at the time and myself are both nurses, so we thought we had all the medical stuff covered. I didn’t think about having someone there just for support and “non-medical” encouragement. After talking to several moms who have used one and meeting some amazing doulas, I thought it would be great to educate other women about the benefits of a doula. I interviewed Chelsea Van Middelkoop, who is located in Central Arkansas, and have included that interview here. I hope it enlightens you on the reasons you should consider having a doula attend your birth.
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What brought you into being a Doula?
I have always been passionate about supporting families and have also had an interest in birth work, but it was my personal experience giving birth that finally sealed the deal regarding my decision to become a doula. After giving birth to my son, I realized the importance of having support through the experience. Unfortunately, it was a lack of support in my case that made me realize this.
What is your favorite part of being a Doula?
My favorite part of being a doula is being in a helping profession. I am a very empathetic person and it is in my nature to help others, and it is so satisfying when I can do that.
Why are Doulas helpful in labor?
I could write a whole paper about why doulas are helpful in labor (and I have!) but I’ll try to sum it all up here. A doula is a dedicated and knowledgeable support person. Medical providers and staff hold extensive knowledge, but they have other tasks outside of support, and often other patients to attend to. Partners, family, and friends can be amazing continuous support, but often lack knowledge of labor and birthing. A doula is the best of both worlds. They offer continuous support and are educated about labor and birth, making them an ideal support person. Having this kind of support can help families achieve a satisfying labor and birth experience.
What do you do in labor with your clients?
This is a question I get a lot. What does a doula even do? I don’t know if you’ve noticed a theme here, so let me point it out to you: Support. There are various ways doulas are able to support our clients through labor. This can include helping a client into comfortable positions for labor, providing comfort measures such as massage and counterpressure, providing water or snacks, using positive affirmations and encouraging speech, keeping a client informed about all things labor and birth, including the birth process and medical procedures, and so much more.
What are your three registry Must-Haves for new parents?
1) A doula, of course! Families can request that their family and friends contribute to a “Doula fund” instead of purchasing items on a registry. Many doulas also offer gift certificates that can be purchased and used towards the cost of their services. 2) A carrier. Babies are used to being in the womb where they are held snugly and rocked continuously, so it’s no wonder that they may be a bit upset when a parent tries to put them down. Having a carrier allows parents to keep their little one close while freeing up their hands so they can do whatever they need, like have a snack. It is also a great way to travel with baby. No need to worry about lugging around a massive stroller, just wrap/strap baby up and you’re on your way! 3) Car seat. This is usually one of the bigger expenses that all families will have and it is a necessity.
What reasons have you come across for why women choose not to have a doula?
Many times I find that families aren’t sure where a doula would fit into their birth experience, or that the birthing persons partner isn’t comfortable with the idea of having a doula. As a doula, my place is as part of the birth team. I will never take the place of a birth partner, but instead to lift that person up into being as supportive as they can be. And partners deserve direct support as well! I am happy to provide it. Another reason families choose not to have a doula is cost. In paying for a doula, a family is paying for experience and knowledge, 24/7 phone/email support, in person support, and up to four weeks of on call time in addition to other expenses included in the total cost, and this adds up to a cost that many families find prohibitive. Many wonder, is a doula worth it? Of course, I am biased, but the way I see it is that birth is a monumental moment in a family’s life, much like a wedding. When we get married we are forming a whole new family, and the same can be said as we add each new family member to our clan. So why not spend the money on a doula to make that experience as wonderful as possible? I promise you won’t regret having the additional support.
For families who simply do not have the budget for a doula, many doulas offer payment plans to help spread out the cost and some even offer services on an income based sliding scale.
What three words best describe you?
Compassionate, dependable, resourceful
So, there you have it folks! Hopefully, this will clear up exactly what a doula is and how she can help you during your birth experience! If I were to ever have another baby, a doula would be at the top of my list for must-haves. If you are central Arkansas, get in touch with Chelsea and see if she is a good fit for you!
With Love,
Lindsey
You can learn more about Chelsea, or contact her here: https://www.facebook.com/chelsearaedoulaservices