Planning on having an epidural during labor? Here is how a doula can help!
Many people assume that if they’re getting an epidural, they won’t need a doula. If I told you how many times I have heard new parents say, “I didn’t think I needed a doula unless I was going to have a "natural birth", I could go out for a fancy steak dinner.
However, as doulas, we attend and support all kinds of birthing experiences and honestly, most of my clients do choose to get an epidural during labor.
Doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support for BOTH parents, no matter what kind of birth experience you choose.
How a doula can help when choosing an epidural
Helping You Navigate Early Labor – Before you receive an epidural, you’ll likely experience hours of early labor. Your doula can help you stay comfortable, provide pain-coping techniques, and support your movement to encourage optimal fetal positioning. Sometimes, we meet parents at their home during early labor and other times we meet them at the hospital at the start of an induction. There are many scenarios that your doula can help you navigate at the beginning of birth.
Positioning & Comfort with an Epidural – Even after the epidural is in place, a doula can assist with positioning to keep labor progressing. Using tools like peanut balls, pillows, and comfort touch, we ensure you remain in positions that help your baby descend while keeping you comfortable.
“I’ll Have a Labor Nurse” – Labor nurses are amazing. We are huge fans of nurses. I have worked alongside many awesome nurses who have been grateful to have my help. Why? Because labor nurses often have a few other patients that they are caring for at the same time. They appreciate having a doula present to be a grounding and calming force for their patient. Keep in mind, nurses have to chart, take vitals, get medications, and deal with several different patients all at once. Your doula is only there for YOU.
Emotional & Educational Support – Your doula helps you stay calm and reassured throughout the process, answering questions, reminding you of your birth preferences, and providing support to both you and your partner. The doulas at One Love Doula Services stay up to date on evidence based practices and provide you with ways to have positive and productive conversations with your providers.
Advocacy & Communication – While medical staff focus on clinical care, your doula ensures your voice is heard. They can help facilitate communication with your healthcare team, making sure you feel informed and confident in every decision.
Support During Pushing & Birth – With an epidural, you may not feel the urge to push as strongly. While pushing isn’t the same for everyone, your doula knows the push positions, breathing techniques, and vocal encouragement that you want during this time. We have discussed this in depth at your prenatal session, so we know you and what you feel will work best for your body.
Postpartum Care & Transition – After birth, your doula helps with immediate postpartum support, including skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding guidance, and making sure you feel cared for as you recover. We also facilitate the proper storage of your placenta (if you are planning on encapsulating or keeping it), take all the pictures you want (so you can be fully present in the moment), and make sure you eat and get comfortable before you transition to the postpartum recovery floor.
Having an epidural doesn’t mean you won’t benefit from continuous, compassionate care. Your doula is there to enhance your experience, ensuring you feel empowered, supported, and nurtured throughout your labor and birth.
Are you searching for doula services in the Tampa Bay area?
Wondering where to find a doula near you? Look no further! One Love provides comprehensive support for expectant and new parents in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Land O’ Lakes, Lakeland, Plant City, Downtown Tampa, and beyond.
Our services include Tampa doula support, childbirth education, placenta encapsulation, in-home postpartum doula care, specialized lactation support by our CLC’s and IBCLC’s, and birth photography!
Plus, we offer virtual services to accommodate your needs. Let's embark on your amazing birth and postpartum journey together!
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