Each year, doulas help thousands to navigate pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with empowerment and knowledge. Now, during a time when social distancing is the norm, doulas have had to find ways to be just as present — even if it means using a screen as the medium.

Though COVID-19 may have changed how doulas work, the level of focus and support offered to parents remains the same. In the age of a pandemic, you can still have the empowered, doula-supported birth of your dreams. And you can achieve this even if your hospital or birthing facility doesn’t allow a doula in the birth room.

Let’s consider how you can make the most of virtual doula support and approach your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period with confidence. 

Learn About Different Types of Doula Care

If you’re thinking about hiring a doula, consider the type of support you’re looking for and when you’ll need it. If you’re looking for antepartum (before childbirth) doula care, your doula can help you navigate the physical and emotional challenges you encounter leading up to birth. A postpartum doula, on the other hand, can troubleshoot breastfeeding issues and discuss other concerns via phone or video chat applications such as FaceTime. While in-person services such as hands-on lactation support, newborn care, and housework may be limited during a pandemic, there are plenty of other options available should doula care be of interest to you. 

Understand Your Birth Facility May Affect the Level of Doula Care Allowed

In addition, it’s important to note that your chosen place of birth may determine how much or little your doula is able to be of service. Different hospitals have varied policies while other facilities, like Magnolia, have continued to allow full doula care at your bedside. Research doula services in your area and see how you can coordinate care with the place you plan to give birth or utilize the services you hire.

Now, let’s dive into how you can make the most out of virtual doula support if that’s the direction you choose to go.

Prenatal Preparation

A doula is a great source of knowledge and encouragement during pregnancy. Even if in-person visits are not an option, you can lean on your doula virtually for regular appointments and check-ins throughout pregnancy. During the prenatal period, a doula will ensure you’re nourishing and caring for your body as it grows life. Your doula may also guide you on holistic techniques and exercises to manage common pregnancy pain or symptoms, as well as prepare you for birth. Following the wisdom of your doula, even virtually, can help you experience a smoother pregnancy and more manageable labor as you approach your baby’s due date. 

Emotional Support

When you think of the benefits of hiring a doula, images of a support person besides a laboring parent may come to mind. But the beauty of doula care is that it exists to do more than help to physically bring your baby into the world. 

Your doula acts as a constant source of emotional support from the antepartum period and beyond. As your body changes, hormones shift, and life transitions to welcome a new life into your home, a doula is a stable, compassionate person you can lean on and trust. Sometimes that means providing warmth and light in an otherwise sterile birth environment. Other times it means encouraging and uplifting you during the difficult moments of pregnancy and birth. When working with a virtual doula, emotional support is a text, call, or video chat away should you need it.

Pain Management Techniques

If you’ve ever desired a birth with minimal interventions, a doula is an excellent source of guidance. And although your birth facility or personal choice may prevent a doula from being at your bedside, virtual doula support can still help you achieve the birth you hope for.

Doulas are trained in breath work and holistic pain management techniques that are invaluable during labor and birth in Miami. Even though a screen, doulas provide a voice of encouragement in the throes of labor to keep you as closely aligned to your birth plan as possible. Your doula will also fill you with confidence as you advocate for the way you want to bring your baby into the world. 

Evidence-Based Information

At first glance, it may appear that a traditional hospital birth and unmedicated labor assistance do not go hand in hand, but in many cases, the contrary is true. Research shows doula care to be an evidence-based practice that enhances childbirth outcomes in medical settings and beyond.

The care a parent receives during pregnancy, labor, and birth is just as important as the medical outcome of birth. Ever wonder about the difference in pain management tools offered in a hospital setting? Or do you have questions about the way hormones play a role in your birthing, postpartum, or breastfeeding experience? Your doula can point you to reliable sources of information and provide clarity during moments of decision-making. It’s possible for virtual doula care to provide a wealth of unbiased, evidence-based knowledge to clients so they can make their own decisions with confidence — even if it’s a text or phone call away.

Learn More with Miami’s Premier Natural Birthing Center

If you’re pregnant or thinking about expanding your family, consider the many options for doula care available. Learn more about doula care with our sister company, The Gathering Place, or our promise to support you from postpartum and beyond at Magnolia Birth House. 

If you’d like to learn more, fill out our form to set up a free consultation.