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Why you may consider hiring a doula

 
 

A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to women and their families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Here are some reasons why you might consider hiring a doula:

  1. Continuous support: Doulas provide continuous support throughout the entire childbirth process, which can last for hours or even days. They can help you cope with the pain and discomfort of labor and provide comfort measures such as massage, breathing techniques, and positions to help you feel more comfortable.

  2. Reduced interventions: Studies have shown that birthing people who use a doula during childbirth are less likely to have medical interventions such as epidurals, cesarean sections, and forceps or vacuum deliveries. This is because doulas can help birthing people feel more in control of their birth experience and can advocate for their wishes with medical staff.

  3. Improved birth outcomes: Research suggests that birthing people who use a doula during childbirth have better birth outcomes, including shorter labors, fewer complications, and better Apgar scores for their babies.

  4. Emotional support: Doulas can provide emotional support throughout the entire childbirth process. They can help you and your partner feel more confident and empowered during labor and delivery.

  5. Postpartum support: Doulas can also provide support during the postpartum period, helping you adjust to life with a new baby, answering questions, and providing resources and referrals as needed.

Overall, hiring a doula can help you have a more positive birth experience and can provide valuable support during a time of significant physical and emotional transition.

Schedule a meet and greet with me if you are interested in doula support + birth photography and are expecting in the Seattle area.

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Birth, Families, Birth Stories Morgan Petroski Birth, Families, Birth Stories Morgan Petroski

Birth of Baby Leland - Empowered Cesarean - Swedish First Hill - Seattle, Wa

I’m so excited to finally share this birth story! It’s a true testament to the fact that YES you can have an empowered cesarean.

This was Kaci’s second birth. She hoped to have a different experience this time around, wanted support, and hired me as her doula. When she made the decision that a scheduled cesarean was the best option for her for this birth, we made sure that every step of the way it was a completely different experience from her first. The hospital staff were all so very supportive and left her feeling completely in control during the entire process. In fact the words, “This is your birth; we’re just along for the ride.” were said to her very soon upon admittance. And from then on it was so very clear that they meant it.

As you’ll see scrolling through, this was such the happiest of births. Thank you to the staff at Swedish First Hill that made sure her birth left her feeling empowered.

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