How a Midwife or a Doula Can Help You During Your Pregnancy

When it came time for my wife and I to prepare for baby’s arrival, Cindy and I had NO clue what we should do. Sure, you read the acclaimed books for new parents, listen to your family doctor and follow their to-do's to the last detail, but there's still many unknowns that were left for us to think about. That's when my wife made a suggestion that helped us out tremendously. “Let's get a midwife!”

Pregnancy isn't just exciting but can also be daunting because there's so much information out there telling us different things - some good advice mixed among opinions which may not always line up with your wants/needs. As for my wife and I, we wanted to have an in-home water birth (that never happened but that's another story for another day).  Without a trained professional there to guide you through it all, it can be a near impossible task to do.

Let me break down what each role does and how they add value in your birthing team:

A Midwife is a trained professional who can provide you with support and guidance during your pregnancy. They are also able to deliver your baby, if you so choose. Many women opt for a midwife because they feel more comfortable having someone who is specifically trained in pregnancy and childbirth, rather than their family doctor. Our family doctor actually was the one who recommended our midwife and has worked with her organization for years and had a great rapport with her.

A Doula is a trained professional who provides support to you during your pregnancy, labor and delivery. They do not deliver babies, but they can provide you with emotional support and guidance during this time. Many women feel that having a doula helps them to have a more positive childbirth experience.

We ultimately decided on getting both a midwife and a doula because we felt that we needed all the support that we could get! And I'm so glad we did because our daughter was born healthy without any complications (again, another story for another day). Long story short - if you're feeling lost or just need some extra support during your pregnancy, I would highly recommend getting a midwife or a doula. It's going add another layer of confidence and support that you'll be thankful for come delivery day.

Thank you Michelle Palmer and your amazing team at RHODE ISLAND HOME BIRTH for making our experience with our first baby amazing!

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