The Power of Doulas as Pain Management During Labor
When considering pain management options during labor, having a doula by your side can be one of the most effective and supportive choices you make. At Sweet Bee Services, we emphasize that while a doula serves as an advocate, it is crucial that birthing people first advocate for themselves. We encourage our clients to see themselves as their first advocate, with their partner or support person as their second voice. The doula becomes the third and final advocate, stepping in only when necessary, often when the medical team has gone AWOL.
What is a Birth Doula?
A birth doula is a trained companion who provides continuous support during labor and birth. This support can be physical, emotional, informational, and involves advocacy, all aimed at helping you manage pain and have a more positive birth experience.
How Doulas Provide Pain Relief During Childbirth
Physical Support: Doulas are trained to provide physical support through soothing touch, massage, and by helping you find comfortable positions during labor. They can apply counter-pressure to relieve back pain, keep you nourished, and offer comfort items like cold washcloths or music.
Emotional Support: Doulas create a calm and supportive birth environment, which can reduce stress and pain perception. They provide encouragement, helping you to stay focused and reminding you that each contraction is bringing you closer to meeting your baby.
Childbirth Preparation and Information: Doulas offer education and counseling during prenatal visits, helping you and your partner prepare for labor with coping techniques like breathing, relaxation, and movement. This preparation can significantly lower pain perception during labor.
Advocacy: At Sweet Bee Services, we believe in empowering our clients to advocate for themselves. Our doulas are there to support you in speaking up for what you want. They help facilitate communication between you and your care provider, ensuring your voice is heard.
What’s the Evidence on Using a Doula for Pain Relief?
Research has shown that having a doula during labor leads to better outcomes. A Cochrane Review of 26 randomized controlled trials with over 15,000 participants found that continuous support from a doula significantly reduces the risk of Cesarean sections, increases the likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth, and decreases the use of pain medication. Additionally, mothers with doula support report less anxiety and pain during labor and are more satisfied with their birth experience .
How to Find a Doula
At Sweet Bee Services, we offer a team of experienced birth and postpartum doulas ready to support you. Interested clients can schedule a 30-minute consultation through our website. During this consultation, we will discuss your desires and needs, help you select a package that best suits your family, and allow you to choose the team member you’d like to work with. Once you've made your selection, you'll meet with the doula to ensure alignment and start building your relationship as you prepare for your birth experience.
Choosing to have a doula as part of your birth team can be one of the most impactful decisions you make for managing pain during labor. Doulas provide comprehensive support, from physical comfort measures to emotional encouragement, childbirth education, and advocacy. At Sweet Bee Services, our doulas are committed to empowering you and ensuring that your birth experience is as positive and supported as possible.
References:
Hodnett, E. D., Gates, S., Hofmeyr, G. J., Sakala, C., & Weston, J. (2013). Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (7).
Bohren, M. A., Hofmeyr, G. J., Sakala, C., Fukuzawa, R. K., & Cuthbert, A. (2017). Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (7).
