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- Birth Doulas are your go-to during labor. They’re all about making you feel comfy, supported, and heard. They help with breathing, positioning, and just being there when you need a hand to hold or a pep talk.
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- Postpartum Doulas come into play after the baby arrives. They’re like your recovery crew, helping with everything from breastfeeding to catching some zzz’s because, let’s face it, sleep becomes a luxury.
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- Antenatal Doulas are there for the pregnancy journey, making sure you’re prepped and ready for the big day. They’re your educators, your planners, and your calm in the storm of pregnancy.
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- Bereavement Doulas offer a gentle hand if you’re walking through loss. They’re there to support you through miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal loss, providing comfort when it’s needed most.
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- Fertility Doulas are your allies if you’re on the path to conception, whether through medical means or naturally. They’re there to support your emotional journey, provide info, and sometimes even holistic approaches to boost your spirits.
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- End-of-Life or Death Doulas are like the opposite of birth doulas – they help make the end as peaceful and dignified as possible. They’re about honoring life’s end with the same reverence as its beginning.
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- Adoption Doulas guide you through the maze of adoption. They’re your support system, helping with the emotional rollercoaster and sometimes even the paperwork. They also are there to support the family through the transition into new parenthood. It’s a lot of changes and can be more than a family anticipated when they suddenly grow by one or more.
Doulas, no matter the type, are all about giving you that extra layer of support, whether it’s through hugs, knowledge, or just listening. They’re not medical professionals but are trained to help you feel empowered and heard.
Their benefits? Oh, they’re plentiful – from feeling more at ease with the process to sometimes even better health outcomes.
Most doulas go through specific training, and while certification isn’t always necessary, it shows they’re serious about what they do. Annie Hill, is Certified by Madriella, Stillbirthday and Mattie Marie.
In many cultures, this kind of support has been around forever, often provided by family or community members.