The great thing about babies is that no matter how they enter the world, when they’re healthy and safe, you still get the prize at the end: a baby! That being said, one of the things I really regret with the birth of my first child was the fact that I didn’t hire one of the amazing Philadelphia doulas that the city has to offer.

Thankfully, I learned my lesson and when my second child was born, a doula was top on my list of to-dos and I really do think that it helped me on my quest for a VBAC. On my hunt for the best Philadelphia doulas, I scoured tons of websites and resumes, and met with several of the final contenders before settling on the one who was there when Eleanor came into the world.

Jackie from Balance in Birth was so kind to share about her experience as a Philadelphia doula – and I honestly learned so much from her answers, even though I have worked with a doula in the past.

Share a bit about your story – who you are, how you got to your current work as one of the amazing Philadelphia doulas that the city has to offer, and anything else you think would be important to share!

I am a birth doula, yoga instructor, childbirth educator, and above all, a mom of three! My first birth experience brought me to doula work; at the time, we were living in an area of Texas that was chock full of birth centers, home birth midwives, and doulas. I chose to birth out of hospital, and the whole experience had me hooked. I love educating and empowering other families to make informed decisions that ultimately leave them feeling positive about their birth stories, no matter how much they do or do not go according to “plan.” There is nothing more rewarding!

When should parents begin their search for a Philadelphia doula, and what should they look for in their doula?

You were an elementary teacher (just like I was!) before becoming a doula; what parts of your career as a teacher help you in your work as a Philadelphia doula now?

So many! Doula work is just another form of education, only I’m teaching adults about pregnancy and birth instead of teaching 9-year-olds about fractions. Effective communication is key, not to mention the structure and discipline it takes to be a business owner. And I may or may not have binders of organized, labeled handouts and self-created info sheets that are very teacher-esque, ready to swoop in and outline a tricky topic at a moment’s notice.

What different types of services do Philadelphia doulas typically offer, and is there one that resonates the most with you?

The most common types of doulas are birth and postpartum, both of which are incredibly helpful in supporting families through their entire journey into parenthood. Some doulas also offer photography packages, placenta encapsulation, feeding support, or childbirth education. I personally offer childbirth education and feel that it’s such an important part of birth preparation.

The more you know about the stages of labor and what’s anatomically going on in your body, as well as comfort strategies to cope, the more empowered you feel before, during, and after birth. I recommend taking a class other than those offered by the hospital, if it’s within your means. We have so many incredible birth workers in the area who offer a variety of class types- you can’t go wrong!

What’s one thing you wish parents knew about hiring Philadelphia doulas for the birth of their baby?

We are not only for home birth or unmedicated birth! Many people think that a doula is not for them if they plan to birth in the hospital with an epidural. In reality, having a doula to help navigate all the medical interventions that can come along with an epidural is super helpful in making sure you don’t fall prey to what we call the “cascade of interventions.” Movement is SO important in labor progress, too, and a doula is critical in helping to keep you moving more frequently and into more purposeful positions than most providers will do for a patient with an epidural. 

How can Philadelphia doulas support parents in their postpartum journey?

Most birth doulas will offer a postpartum follow-up meeting to touch base with families and set them up with amazing local referrals for professionals like lactation consultants, pelvic floor physical therapists, mental health therapists, and more. Postpartum doulas are even more beneficial for this time period; they can be hired to work days and/or nights, supporting you in keeping up with light household chores, meal prep, baby care, and educating on topics from babywearing to pumping schedules.

As someone who went late with both of their babies (41 weeks and almost 42 weeks…and no, I was not a sane person at the end of that pregnancy), what recommendations do you have for parents who are in the last weeks of pregnancy?