Savannah Smith is the owner of The Savvy Doula - a Charlotte NC based doula that can be by your side at a hospital birth, home birth, or with the midwives at the Statesville birthing center. She offers in-person labor support, birthing classes, and post-partum support for moms in Charlotte. Savannah is not just the Savvy Doula, but also a wife and a mom of two beautiful boys.

Visit her website The Savvy Doula and follow her on Instagram

Does hiring a Birth Doula make a difference? 

Short answer? YES! 

Hiring a doula to support you through your pregnancy and labor is like having a birth best friend. It’s kind of like the role of your Maid of Honor at your wedding. This is a special role you give to someone you know you can trust because YOU will be their priority. It is the Maid of Honor’s job to do whatever it takes to help this day go as smooth and uncomplicated as possible. They know that this is one of the most important days of your life and want it to be as magical as you envision it to be. 

Well… That’s a doula! Your Maid of Honor for birth. 

Planning for the big day 

You may have been dreaming about it your entire life or you may be like I was and never thought about the process, only the destination (holding your new baby!). The importance of having a plan is an entirely new topic I could discuss on it’s own, but there are so many benefits to discussing your preferences before birth. 

I know what you might be thinking… how do I know what I want when I have no idea what to expect? Birth is unpredictable and your plan needs to be flexible. 

Would you plan your wedding without your Maid of Honor? YOU make the ultimate decisions. It is your day, but… it is great to have that person that has the same vision for you, is excited to discuss all the options with you, bounce ideas and questions off of, and has maybe been there themselves to give advice and support where you need. 

Wherever and however you have your baby, there are decisions to be made. It is reassuring to have a resourceful and knowledgeable doula in your corner to guide you through all the options and help you visualize the birth you want. 

Filling the Gap 

If you have already been to a prenatal appointment with your medical care provider, were you surprised at the lack of information? They are always ready to answer all your questions but it’s hard to ask questions when you don’t know what you don’t know. “Is it normal when…? What happens if…? What should I expect…? Where can I find…?” All questions you can ask your birth best friend! Your doula can also help you find the questions you don’t know you need. 

Your medical team is educated in meeting your medical needs and generally accessible for questions during appointments. Although there are questions only a medical professional can answer, there are

probably more times during pregnancy you find yourself searching for emotional and physical support or resources. The best part? Your doula is a text away. 

When it comes to your labor, your doula is waiting for your call. You have someone who knows birth, who knows you, and will support you and your partner through your own positive birth story. 

Informational Support: keeping you in control of your decisions 

Emotional Support: reassuring you, encouraging you, and holding space 

Physical Support: comfort measures, massage, natural pain relief 

Partner support: guiding your partner to remain involved and connected to you and this experience. Birth doula support continues after birth. 

Typically after you birth your baby, especially if you are receiving care from an Ob-Gyn, you will not receive a follow up appointment for 6 weeks! If you have ever had a baby, you know a lot can happen in 6 weeks. If you have never had a baby, that may be incredibly scary. Having a birth doula means you still have that support system to call and text whenever you need. From breastfeeding support to newborn care and even total body healing for you. Postpartum mood disorders are common in the society we live in. Your doula checks in with a postpartum visit and provides a judgment-free space. We are here to listen, hold space, and provide you with resources when needed. 

The Evidence is in the Results 

Hiring a doula does not just sound great, it is PROVEN to impact birthing experiences. 39% Decrease in risk of Cesarean Birth 

15% Increase in likelihood of Spontaneous Vaginal Birth 

10% Decrease in the use of any Medications for Pain Relief 

41 minutes Shorter Labor 

31% Decrease use of Pitocin 

34% Higher rate of Breastfeeding 

34% Decrease in Negative Birth Experience 

14% Decrease in Newborns sent to the NICU 

Time to Hire a Doula 

It is never too early or too late to hire a doula. To find the right doula for you, it’s important to interview a few. Find the one that you click with. It needs to be natural. Birth is a vulnerable place and your doula should be someone that can instinctively protect your space. You deserve a birthing experience that empowers you through your entire journey. There are no two doulas the same. Whatever your religious

preference, yourfinancial budget, complications, pastexperiences, medical history, orbirthpreferences, there is a doula for you.