logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2023
31m 42s

Do You Really Need a Doula?

VANESSA MERTEN
About this episode
A doula is a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother and her birth partner during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. They do not have any formal medical training and do not perform any medical procedures. There are doulas that specialize in every type of birth, from home birth to a planned cesarean at a hospital. There is substantial growing evidence on how doulas positively impact births. But do you need a doula? With the benefits are downsides, like the additional cost. This episode examines the evidence of having a doula, how they advocate for you and work with your OB/GYN or midwife, and how they support your partner in being your primary support during labor. Plus, get tips on how to find a doula that is the right fit for your family.   Thank you to our sponsors FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE AG1 travel packs with your first purchase. AG1 is a Foundational Nutrition supplement with a science-driven formulation of 75 high-quality vitamins, probiotics, and whole-food sourced nutrients. It is a simple and easy solution to fill nutrient gaps, promote gut health, support immunity, and boost energy. (As a friendly reminder, pregnant or nursing women should seek professional medical advice before taking this or any other dietary supplement.) Pregnancy Podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/pregnancy today to get 10% off your first month. You are going through a significant life transition during pregnancy and preparing for a baby. Plus, many changes during and after pregnancy put you at risk for baby blues and postpartum depression. You can be proactive in taking care of your mental health now. BetterHelp is convenient and flexible and all online. To get started, complete a short questionnaire to get matched up with a licensed therapist. You can always switch therapists at any time for no additional charge. Get a break from your thoughts with BetterHelp. Read the full article and resources that accompany this episode. Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more. Check out the 40 Weeks podcast to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners. For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.
Up next
Oct 5
The Safety of Tylenol (Acetaminophen) and Other OTC Medications During Pregnancy
Acetaminophen, best known by the brand name Tylenol, is an ingredient in over 600 over-the-counter medicines and has long been considered the safest choice for managing pain and fever during pregnancy. Recently, it made headlines after President Trump publicly spoke out against t ... Show More
37m 47s
Sep 28
Non-Medical Pain Management Options for Labor
Labor can be intense, but you have many alternatives to cope with pain beyond the medical options your doctor or midwife offers. You can use non-medical pain management strategies on their own if you plan to avoid medical interventions, or alongside tools like an epidural. This e ... Show More
44m 51s
Sep 24
Q&A: Tips for When Prenatal Appointments Feel Rushed
You only get a limited amount of time with your doctor or midwife during prenatal care, and a lot needs to be covered over nine months. This episode answers a listener’s question about feeling rushed at appointments and leaving with unanswered questions. Learn what a typical pren ... Show More
19m 13s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2024
Ep 247: Getting the Support You Need with Doula HeHe Stewart
If you’ve been listening to this show for a while, you’ll know that I’m a big proponent of doulas. What you might not know is that doulas can assist at all kinds of births - even planned cesareans!Today’s guest, Hehe Stewart, is the founder of Tranquility by HeHe Maternity Concie ... Show More
42m 46s
Jul 2023
Ep 215: 11 Must Know Tips to Have the Best Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum Experience
In this episode you’re going to learn 11 must-know tips to have the best pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience. As you know, I’ve delivered thousands of babies and I’ll be the first to tell you that you can’t predict how any birth will go. The only predictable thing about b ... Show More
41m 53s
Dec 2018
Introducing The All About Pregnancy & Birth Podcast
Introducing the All About Pregnancy and Birth podcast! This is the place to be to get comprehensive, evidence-based, holistic information to help you have your best pregnancy and birth. Hosted by Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins, a board certified ob/gyn physician and certified integr ... Show More
1m 26s
Nov 2020
Dina Ghandour: The World of Doulas, Births, and Babies
Dina Ghandour is a Dubai-based yogi and certified Doula. Through her work, she provides educational, practical, and emotional support to parents by offering childbirth education, assisting at the birth through hands-on comfort measures, and sharing postnatal support with regards ... Show More
51m 19s
Aug 2020
Doulas? What Do They Do? Oh, Also Liesel Had the Baby!
In this episode, my friend Stephanie and I talk about everything doula! Want to feel in control before birth? Use our FREE Birth Plan Templates to take the first step towards the birth experience you desire.   Have an even better birth!   CLICK HERE to learn more about our online ... Show More
52m 43s
Jul 2021
101: Know Your Birthing Options With Lindsey Bliss
In today's episode, I'm talking with doula and co-founder of Carriage House Birth, Lindsey Bliss, about natural birthing options. She shares what a doula is and does, what it's like to work with one, and why it's important to understand your options and rights around birthing. We ... Show More
52m 12s
Sep 2021
Is It Normal? The Pregnancy Podcast - coming soon!
This podcast will follow my pregnancy week by week because despite it being my 3rd pregnancy I still worry, google everything and need reassurance so I thought I’d do this series in which I speak to different experts to explore & reassure everybody about what is going on with our ... Show More
2m 20s
Apr 2022
Encore: Eating real food during and after pregnancy with Lily Nichols
What does "eat well" during pregnancy really mean? What is the difference between micro and macronutrients, and how to make sure my body is getting everything it needs to make sure my baby is developing well? What are the best foods, and what to avoid, according to recent researc ... Show More
1h 27m
Aug 2022
So Many Resources
Laura Lynn Hughes offers advice to parents of daughters who are pregnant. Listen to the full program: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/episodes/broadcast/embracing-gods-gift-of-life Your gift will equip pregnancy medical clinics across the country with ultrasound machines, resour ... Show More
1 m