Unveiling the Untold Benefits of Doula Support: Finding A Doula That Aligns with Your Goals
- Dr. Jodi Cunningham
- Mar 21
- 5 min read
The Growing (err, Recognizing?) Importance of Doula Support
There’s a quiet revolution happening in birth work. Families are reclaiming their birth experiences, stepping into parenthood with confidence, and seeking the kind of personalized, evidence-based support that makes a difference. And at the heart of this movement? Finding a doula.
Rooted in the Greek word meaning “woman servant,” doulas have long been a trusted source of comfort, guidance, and unwavering support during pregnancy, birth, and beyond. But today, doulas are so much more than labor companions—they are educators, companions and champions of empowered birth experiences.
If you're preparing for the arrival of your little one, you deserve more than just standard care. You deserve continuity, compassion, and someone who sees you as a whole person—not just a patient. That’s exactly what a BWS doula brings.
The Power of Unwavering Emotional Support
Pregnancy and birth aren’t just physical events—they’re deeply emotional, transformational experiences. A doula is someone who holds space for your fears, your joys, and everything in between. They remind you that you are powerful, that your voice matters, and that your intuition is a force to be trusted. Research shows that continuous emotional support during labor reduces anxiety, lowers the risk of postpartum depression by 30%, and increases overall satisfaction with the birth experience. A doula isn’t there to replace your partner or medical team—they are there to amplify your support system, ensuring you feel seen, heard, and respected at every stage.
Erin shares her experience working with a BWS doula (April Kline) for her second pregnancy, which made all the difference. "She was more helpful through Zoom (thanks Covid) than any other in-person lactation consultant had been, and we had seen many. She truly saw me, heard me, and really helped me in those early partpartum weeks as I tried to put myself back together after a difficult delivery while taking care of a baby that had difficulty latching and that would not soothe. Her care extended beyond optimizing the latch for nursing, which alone is a very complicated thing to get right.
We were so fortunate to have her on our birth team for my second delivery, and the difference was incredible. I achieved my goal of an unmedicated birth, and April was a big reason for that. That second delivery was truly an unforgettable experience, one I genuinely wish I could relive. I know it might sound unusual to want to go through childbirth again, but it was truly that amazing. It was calm, powerful, and filled with peace that is hard to fully articulate. There was not fear or chaos. The discomfort and pain were much more manageable, even without any pain medications. I felt safe and secure knowing she was with us and looking out for myself, our baby, and my husband. The entire birth experience was filled with a sense of peace and assurance I didn’t know was possible. It was beautiful. I had heard that birth could be like that, but never fully believed it until we lived it."
Hands-On Physical Support for a More Comfortable Labor
Let’s talk about comfort. Birth is hard work, but the right techniques can make all the difference. Finding a doula, or working with BWS Doulas, means you have access to doulas trained in hands-on strategies that can ease labor discomfort, help contractions become more effective, and even shorten labor.
Counterpressure and massage to relieve back pain
Breathing techniques to keep you focused and grounded
Optimal positioning to help baby move down and out more smoothly
Studies show that having a doula present can reduce labor time by up to 25% and lower the likelihood of medical interventions. One recent client shared about their experience with BWS Birth Doula, Courtney. "It was our first baby so I was very nervous about doing a non medicated birth in the hospital, but it was a great experience as she had me in many different birthing positions as well as helping my husband be active in the whole process."

Finding A Doula Who Is A Trained and Trusted Advocate
Navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming—especially in the intensity of labor. Medical staff change shifts, policies vary, and sometimes, choices feel rushed. Finding a doula can be a helpful step to bridge the gap, helping you understand your options so you can make decisions with confidence.
When Morgan needed to make some real time decisions, her BWS Birth Doula, Dr. Jodi, was there to guide her the whole way through. "Hiring Jodi to be apart of my pregnancy and birth was hands down the best decision I have ever made. Jodi, was there through all the crazy moments and made me feel normal. She was very informative as well when it came to medical decisions. She gave all the pros and cons. At 2:30 in the morning, Jodi, walked me through everything was happening and gave me things to work on at home."
Doulas don’t speak for you—they amplify your voice. They help ensure that your birth preferences are honored while maintaining open, collaborative relationships with your care team.
Support Doesn't End After Birth
Birth is just the beginning. The postpartum period—the “fourth trimester”—is a delicate, often overwhelming transition. This is when support is needed most, yet many families find themselves navigating sleepless nights, feeding challenges, and emotional shifts with little guidance.
A postpartum doula provides practical and emotional support so you can focus on healing and bonding with your baby. That might look like:
Helping with breastfeeding and newborn care
Offering evidence-based guidance on sleep, soothing, and feeding
Holding space for your emotions and adjusting to your new normal
Research shows that postpartum doula support can reduce new parent overwhelm, because sometimes, the difference between feeling lost and feeling capable is simply having someone to remind you—you’re doing an incredible job.

Why Every Family Needs A Doula
The evidence is clear: Having a doula improves birth outcomes, reduces intervention rates, and helps families feel empowered in their journey. But beyond the numbers, the real impact of a doula is in the way they make you feel.
Seen. Heard. Held. Supported.
You deserve to step into birth and parenthood with confidence. If you’re expecting, thinking about hiring a doula, or just want to learn more, we’re here to walk alongside you. Because birth is not just about getting through it—it’s about experiencing it fully, with care, respect, and unwavering support.
Are you ready to build your birth team? Let’s talk. Go to bwsdoulas.com to schedule a complimentary chat. Find a time on our calendar that works for you. You don't have to do this alone.

photographer credit: Angie Lipscomb Photography
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