A well known stereotype in the world of birth is that doulas only support natural birth and should only be hired if you are planning on delivering without pain medication. This is not the case! Doulas and epidruals go together like grilled cheese and jelly. If you haven’t tried it, you must do so. You’ll have an enhanced appreciation for this analogy and a new favorite food combo.
Doulas are invested in making your birth experience what you want it to be. Whether your plan includes all the medical interventions or none, your doula can still be there to support you in every decision you make.
One decision that is commonly made during more challenging labors is that of getting an epidural. For many, epidurals can be a very positive and effective option for many reasons.
Doulas and Epidurals- Is it worth the investment?
Yes! Here are four ways your doula can support you when an epidural is in the cards:
Support before the epidural:
Oftentimes, during early labor, clients want emotional support and advice from their doula. A doula’s skills with positioning, hands on comfort measures, and other forms of physical relief as labor intensifies are incredibly helpful especially if labor progresses strongly before the hospital is ready to admit you. Whether you have been laboring at home with your doula or in the hospital, their training in these forms of care can improve your experience before the epidural is placed. A doula can also provide you with information about the pros and cons of options being offered during labor, and help you communicate with the staff to make a decision that’s right for you and your baby. Every once in a while, epidurals don’t work fully and clients are left feeling their labor they had planned to numb. It’s nice to have someone there to coach you through a changing plan.
Position changes:
While an epidural can significantly limit your mobility by causing numbness in the lower half of the body, there are still many positions that are likely accessible to you if you have the help of a team. A doula, partner, and nurses on staff can assist you with various positions including sitting, squatting, side lying and the use of a peanut ball to open the pelvis and help with comfort. Some people with epidurals are even able to be moved into an “all fours” position, which has been proven to be a wonderful position to labor and deliver in. All of this to say, you need a lot more help moving, and a doula is there for just that.
Being by your side:
Whether it’s the actual procedure of getting the epidural or the process of it kicking in, having your doula by your side can be comforting. Once the physical pain is removed, the emotional stress may still be there. Just like any other transition during labor and birth, your doula is there to support you through it. Your doula can be there for you after the epidural to massage your shoulders, talk with you, process the experience so far, or perform any other further relaxing comfort measures that feel right to you. She will also give your partner a sense of security knowing you aren’t alone while they grab a bite to eat, use the bathroom, update family or even take a catnap.
Helping you push:
Many people need extra support pushing after receiving an epidural. A doula can be an additional helping hand during this part of labor, assisting the team in coaching you and holding your legs if needed. Your doula is there to encourage you every step of the way, and help with the effective and safe delivery of your baby into your arms.
No matter what your plan, the doulas here at KOP Doulas would be honored to be by your side through it all.
By Cali Machen
