This is an interesting time to be giving birth in Des Moines, IA (or really anywhere!). As a doula that has been working in Central Iowa for over a decade, some of these changes are new while others are not. I wanted to share some of my insight with families who are considering a doula for their birth team. While I share about hospital births in this article, I want to remind families that doulas also attend births at home and birth centers too.
Here are some reasons to consider adding a doula to your Birth Team! 
Large Provider Groups
We have some really big groups of OBs and midwives in Des Moines. Many of the families we support share their frustrations with seeing so many different providers during their pregnancies in order to “meet everyone” before the birth. Sometimes that is not even possible! You may not know which doctor/midwife or nurse will be on-call, but you will know your doula. The relationship you’ve established with your doula will allow you to feel confident and supported during your labor. How is that possible? You will spend many hours with your doula during pregnancy preparing for the big day, going through options, and getting to know each other.
Traveling Nurses
Many Labor and Delivery floors in the metro are finding themselves short-staffed and/or utilizing “traveling nurses”. This means that the nurse caring for you during labor may be unfamiliar with the labor room, the hospital policies, or they may even be new to childbirth! Your doula will likely have attended births in your hospital before and is comfortable advocating for things like movement, birth/peanut balls, squat bars, and more. Doulas also know the questions to ask the nurses/providers to help you work towards whatever your birth goals may be!
Cesarean Rates
Did you know that the World Health Organization recommends a maximum Cesarean Birth Rate of 8-15%? Did you know that Des Moines hospitals have rates over 30%? There have been numerous studies about doula support over the past years and ALL show a reduction in Cesarean birth risk. If you’d like to learn more about those studies, visit Evidence Based Birth Doula Support.
Advocacy
For many people, giving birth to their baby is the first time they’ve ever been at a birth. It was that way for me too! When it comes to childbirth, people don’t know what they don’t know. Besides knowing when to head the hospital and packing your bags, most families rely on their nurses and doctors/midwives to guide them through the birth process.
However, birth is often a routine process for them that doesn’t allow for much personalization. That’s where doulas help! Your doula gets to know you, your family, and your goals. When it comes to communicating this with your providers, doulas are there to help both the birthing parent and support parent know their options, gain more knowledge from the medical staff, and ultimately choose what is best for their health and baby’s health.
Evidence Based Care
ALL studies done on doula support show improved outcomes for both mothers and babies. In fact, there has never been any negative risk or side effects from having a doula on the birth team! Check out these awesome benefits as shared from Evidence Based Birth:
- 39% decrease in the risk of Cesarean
- decrease in request for pain medications for those who were wanting to avoid pain meds (epidurals, fentanyl, etc.)
- Shorter labors
- 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score
- 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience; mothers’ risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience was reduced with continuous support provided by a doula or someone in their social network (family or friend), but not hospital staff
Ready To Add a Doula To Your Team?
Send us a message! We would love to share more about our doula support with you in our Welcome Packet and free consultations with our labor doulas. katie@theiowababylady.com
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