If I Were Oprah Rich: What I'd Gift Every Michigan Mom-to-Be (Spoiler alert: rhymes with moolah)

If you've talked to me for more than five minutes about pregnancy and birth, you've probably heard me say, "If I were Oprah rich, I'd gift every pregnant woman a doula." Doulas are a f- (Do we swear on this blog? Maybe later.) a frickin gamechanger when it comes to birth outcomes.

Positive Impact of Doula Care

Doula care during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum can improve outcomes for both the mother and the baby compared to without doula care:

Cesarean birth

Doula care can reduce the odds of a cesarean birth by 52.9%. One study found that the probability of a cesarean birth was 10.8% with doula care and 18.9% without.

Postpartum depression and anxiety

Doula care can reduce the odds of postpartum depression and anxiety by 57.5%.

Birth complications

Doula-assisted mothers are two times less likely to experience a birth complication.

Breastfeeding

Doula-assisted mothers are more likely to initiate breastfeeding.

Labor duration

Doula care can shorten the duration of labor.

Apgar scores

Babies of mothers who receive continuous support during childbirth are less likely to have low five-minute Apgar scores.

Doulas are trained to provide physical and emotional support during labor, and can also provide informational support to new parents and expecting families.

If you are first-time parents or if you weren't totally happy with how a previous birth and newborn experience unfolded, a birth and/or postpartum doula could be the one factor that changes this upcoming birth for the better. But why?

Why Doulas Improve Birth Outcomes

They've been through lots and lots of births, and you haven't. They can anticipate what's coming, identify useful comfort measures, position changes or other support options, and provide reassurance and advocacy for both mom and her partner throughout labor and delivery (and sometimes during initial breastfeeding and even weeks postpartum).
Their sole responsibility is caring for and supporting the laboring mom--not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Healthcare providers like midwives, OBs, and nurses have specific priorities based on hospital policy, and these are often not aligned to mom's wishes or best interest.
Doulas are trained in offering specific hands-on touch techniques that help mom's body relax, allowing instinct to take over for a more efficient, comfortable labor.
Their reassuring presence can help slow the pace if mom and her partner are feeling rushing or pressured by healthcare providers--helping to provide space for considering options and making an intentional, value-aligned choice. (One approach to this is the BRAIN method--for any decision point during labor or delivery, consider the Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, what your Intuition is saying, and impact of doing Nothing).
During prenatal visits they can help with creating a birth plan and working through limiting beliefs or fears around birth and motherhood. This all leads to a calmer, more empowered birth experience.

Better than Cash or Baby Jordans

When you're shopping for a baby shower, it can be really fun to pick out adorable outfits, or collaborate with fellow shower attendees and spring for the latest, coolest stroller or pack 'n play. Yes, some "stuff" is useful when navigating life with an infant, but to be honest, new babies need very little--a safe space to sleep, their parents' love, regular diaper changes and their mom's milk. The real need is support for the new parents. If they are okay, then baby will be okay.

Supporting new parents can mean dropping off a nourishing meal, texting a Doordash gift card, driving an older child to soccer practice, or coming over to hold down the fort while mom gets to shower or nap. But support can also mean encouraging and financially contributing to professional services that make a real difference in mom's health and well-being, like: childbirth or breastfeeding education, birth doula, postpartum doula, prenatal or postpartum massage, pelvic floor physical therapy, lactation counseling, or mental health services. There is actually an option for new parents to register for these life-changing services at BeHerVillage.com, just like they would traditionally register for onesies and strollers, so gift givers know what would be appreciated. The next time you are headed to a baby shower, consider if the parents-to-be would like you to contribute to a service instead of or in addition to purchasing baby items.