The Differences Between a Homebirth Doula and a Hospital Doula
Most people assume that doulas are only needed at homebirths, but doulas are trained in supporting mothers at every birth location. As your doula, I do different things to support you depending on where your birth will be. I'm always there to support you emotionally, phsysically, and educationally, but this takes different forms depending on where you're planning on birthing your baby.
For a homebirth, supporting you emotionally and physically is a huge deal. You'll be completely unmedicated and will need more hands-on assistance to push through the pressure of each contraction. I'll be using those physical measures with more freedom, because we'll be in the comfort of your own home. You'll be able to eat and drink as you wish, so part of my job will be making sure you have any snacks or drinks nearby that you might want. A water birth is often part of a homebirth, and I can also help facilitate that. I can also provide any supplies that your midwife might not bring: she'll usually have a water birth tub on hand, but I can provide a birth ball, rebozo, and myself for continuous support.
Many parents decide to have their baby at a hospital for various reasons: perhaps they have a complication (like placental previa, hypertension, or gestational diabetes), can't afford a homebirth, want pain medication, or simply prefer to have medical personnel nearby. If this is the case, I can still support you in a million different ways. Like a homebirth, I can support you physically and emotionally through each contraction. According to American Pregnancy, "For women who have decided to have a medicated birth, the doula will provide emotional, informational, and physical support through labor and the administration of medications. Doulas work alongside medicated mothers to help them deal with potential side effects. Doulas may also help with other needs where medication may be inadequate because even with medication, there is likely to be some degree of discomfort." Of course, not all hospital births are medicated (and if you wish to avoid medication, I have many tools for you!), and I'll support you like I would a homebirth momma if you're unmedicated in the hospital. Some things I make sure to do in a hospital birth include helping you make your room feel like home (with candles, music, blankets from your home, or anything else you'd like), educating you during your pregnancy on the hospital, what they offer, and what to expect, and the same continuous support for you and your partner during your entire birth.
Of course, many of the things I do as your doula remain the same regardless of where your birth is. My role slightly changes depending on where you decide to birth, but I will still provide constant support physically, emotionally, and educationally. Reach out to me for more information on the pros and cons of homebirth and hospital birth!
-Welcome Life Doula
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