D is for Doula, E is for Epidural

Did you know doulas and epidurals go well together?

Lot’s of people don’t! It’s a common misconception that there is no point in hiring a doula if you are planning to have an epidural to help manage the intensity of birth.

You probably know someone or many people who have had an epidural. An epidural is a miracle of modern medicine that allows the laboring person to be alert while experiencing minimal discomfort from contractions. Once the epidural has been placed you may feel only mild tightening and pressure or you may feel nothing at all from your waist down!

Laboring people with epidurals placed are often able to relax, chat, and even take naps without experiencing the pain that is associated with giving birth! So why would you need to hire someone who’s primary purpose is to manage and assist with comfort measures if you’re planning to have an epidural?

For starters, your doula is not only available to you during labor. Your doula is a source of support and information before and after the birth of your baby. Have a question that can’t wait until your next doctor’s appointment? Call your doula. Not sure if you’re in labor and want to talk it out? Call your doula. Our doulas are on call from the day you sign our contract meaning you can count on having someone knowledgeable available to you 24/7 throughout your pregnancy.

Early labor isn’t always a walk in the park. Most anesthesiologists don’t like to place an epidural until you are in active labor. Early labor can be long and intense. Your doula can help you get through those initial hours with tricks and tips to keep you feeling comfortable.

Epidurals don’t necessarily make labor discomfort free. Whether it’s minor physical discomfort or emotional discomfort a doula can help you persevere through labor with an epidural. By offering hand and foot massages, performing leg massages to keep your circulation flowing or helping you weigh out decisions you need to make, your doula will be a valuable tool once your epidural is placed.

When clients choose to have an epidural I often find myself helping to keep the mood calm and environment peaceful. If labor isn’t going as planned, my clients rely on me to help them make decisions, write out questions they have for their doctor, and source information.

Just before a laboring person is fully dilated there is an intense period called transition. This phase is sometimes not noticed by birthing parents with an epidural. Others may have strong emotional and physical reactions to the transitional phase. A doula is able to take charge and help you through this intense time so you can move into the pushing phase of your baby’s birth without incident.

After your baby is born you can rely on your doula for ongoing support. The relationship you have formed with your doula throughout your pregnancy can be carried on into your postpartum period with postpartum doula support. Postpartum doulas are a wealth of information about your recovery, infant care, and help transition your family into its new dynamic. Postpartum doulas are companions, caregivers, and assistants throughout the first year. I’d like to see an epidural do that!

Doulas love epidurals! We love birth without epidurals, too. What’s important to a professional doula is that you have the birth experience you want to have.

By: Lee McClenon, Doulas of Philadelphia Owner and Founder