Have you ever heard of hiring a birth doula? Growing up with a mother who was a labor and delivery nurse and a childbirth educator, I knew what a doula was from a very young age. Before we talk about the best doulas in Boston, let’s talk about the benefit of hiring a doula!

Why hire a doula to support you during your birth?

A doulas function is to support both the person in labor and their partner. This might look like administering comfort techniques, getting snacks and water, stepping in to let the partner get some sleep, or offering unbiased advice when things go differently than the couple may have planned.

Doulas often see their couples prior to the birth to establish a comfortable relationship and generally offer a certain amount of postpartum support visits as well. Birth is an intensely overwhelming process and having an expert there to help guide you is invaluable.

What if you’re not looking for a home birth or a med-free birth?

Contrary to popular belief, doulas are helpful for every couple. Whether you are birthing at home, in a hospital, or a birth center. They can provide countless hours of physical and emotional support whether you’re planning for a med-free vaginal birth, a cesarean, or an epidural. My own doula was instrumental for all three of my births…two of which were in hospital inductions (one with an epidural) and one which was a med-free home water birth. Each was different, and in each, I appreciated the support in different ways.

Before my sister went into labor, my husband told my brother-in-law (pictured in these photos) that he could not imagine going through labor without a doula. After my nephew arrived, my brother-in-law said the same. If you want to read 10 more reasons for hiring one, check out this article.

Aren’t doulas expensive?

They absolutely can be cost-prohibitive! Some doulas offer sliding scale costs based on family income, some work with a hospital and offer lower cost options, and still others can be available for free virtual support through different organizations.

Best Doulas in Boston To Hire For Your Birth

So who should you hire if you want doula support? If you’re birthing in Connecticut, check out Shannon (pictured in the images in this post) who is absolutely phenomenal. In Boston, here are the top rated doulas according to Boston Moms.

• New Life Blessings
• Gentle Hands Doula
• Baby Bean Doula
• Tranquility by Hehe
• Down to Earth Birth
• Birthing Matters
• …and my own personal favorite who did my births, Catherine of Birth + Beyond JP

No matter what you choose for your birth plan, consider hiring a doula for your own support and the support of your partner!

…and then come back and hire me for your fresh 48 or newborn photos of that new beautiful baby of yours!!