Surprising Benefits of Working with a Birth Doula

Most people are aware that there are benefits of working with a birth doula, including reduced risk of Cesarean, lower requests for pain relief, and greater satisfaction with the birth experience. Here are 6 surprising benefits of working with a birth doula!

1. Partners Feel More Supported Too!

It’s not just about the birthing person! Partners often feel calmer and more confident when they have a doula there to guide them through how to help, what’s normal, and what to expect. Many dads, grandparents, best friends, and partners say they felt included rather than sidelined because their birth doula ensured they were included in the conversation.

2. Improved Communication with Medical Staff!

Doulas help families understand the medical jargon and advocate for informed consent, making communication smoother and less stressful for the entire team. This helps the staff as well as the birthing family!

3. Lower Intervention Rates Without Pushing an Agenda!

Studies show doula support is linked to fewer epidurals, inductions, and Cesarean births, but your doula’s priority is your agenda, not theirs! Birth doulas help families make informed choices, which naturally leads to more satisfying, and lower-intervention, births.

4. Shorter Labors (and Less Perceived Pain)!

The birth doula’s skills in providing continuous emotional and physical support can actually shorten labor and decrease your perception of pain.

5. Empowerment through all Birth Stories!

Even if birth doesn’t go as planned, people who have a doula often report feeling at peace and empowered by their birth experience because they were informed and involved every step of the way. Your doula can help provide perspective to know when interventions are more beneficial than not, and when they are truly unavoidable.

6. They Hold Space for the Whole Story!

Doulas remember the little details you probably missed; who was there, what was said, how you felt, and what happened when. These pieces of your birth story can help you process the whole experience, which supports long-term emotional healing.