Bornbir Blog

Pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum articles for parents, doulas, lactation consultants, and other perinatal care providers.

Doula

Can I be a doula if I've never given birth? Yes! (Five Reasons)

Becoming a doula involves a deep commitment to supporting individuals and families through one of the most significant experiences in their lives: childbirth. While personal experiences can sometimes inform one's understanding and empathy, they are not prerequisites for providing effective support as a doula.Here's how you can expand on the idea:Compassion and Empathy: A doula's role is rooted in compassion and empathy. Whether or not you've given birth yourself, your ability to empathize with the emotions, fears, and joys experienced by birthing individuals is essential. Your own life experiences, even if they don't include childbirth, can still enable you to...

Doula

What Percentage of People Use Doulas? New 2024 Research

A doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to individuals and families before, during, and after childbirth. While the use of doulas has ancient roots in various cultures, their popularity has surged in modern times due to their ability to offer personalized care and support during one of life's most transformative experiences: childbirth.In the United States, the utilization of doula services has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. This trend is reflective of a growing recognition among expectant parents, healthcare providers, and policymakers of the benefits that doulas can bring to the childbirth...

Doula

What Do Doctors Think About Doulas? 4 Key Aspects

Certainly! Let's delve deeper into the perspectives doctors may hold regarding doulas.Positive Perception:Many doctors view doulas as valuable allies in the birthing process. They appreciate the emotional and physical support doulas offer to birthing individuals, as well as their ability to provide continuous care and comfort during labor.Doulas are often seen as complementing the medical care provided by doctors. They can help clients understand their birthing options, advocate for their preferences, and facilitate communication between birthing individuals and medical staff.Some doctors acknowledge the positive impact doulas can have on birth outcomes, including potentially reducing the need for medical interventions and...

Doula

Why Do Physicians "Dislike" Doulas? 4 Reasons

It's not accurate to say that doctors universally dislike doulas. In fact, many doctors and healthcare providers appreciate the role that doulas play in supporting women during childbirth. However, there may be instances where tensions arise between doctors and doulas, but these are often due to misunderstandings or differences in philosophy rather than a blanket dislike.Here are a few reasons why tensions might occur:Overlap in Roles: Sometimes, doctors may feel that doulas are encroaching on their territory or trying to dictate medical decisions. Clear communication and understanding of each other's roles can help alleviate these concerns.Different Philosophies: Doctors are trained...

Doula Cost

Why are doulas so expensive? 6 Reasons

Doulas often charge fees that reflect the value of the services they provide and the expertise they bring to the table. Several factors contribute to the cost of hiring a doula:Training and Certification: Doulas typically undergo specialized training and certification programs, which can be costly. They invest time and money to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to support individuals during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.Experience and Expertise: Experienced doulas who have attended numerous births and have developed a deep understanding of childbirth and postpartum support may charge higher fees based on their expertise.Time and Availability: Doulas provide continuous...

Postpartum

Three Differences Between a Doula and a Confinement Nanny?

A doula and a confinement nanny serve different roles, particularly in the context of childbirth and postnatal care:Doula:A doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to a woman and her partner before, during, and after childbirth.Doulas primarily focus on providing continuous support during labor and delivery, offering comfort measures, advocacy, and guidance.They are not medically trained to perform clinical tasks but rather offer non-medical support and encouragement.Confinement Nanny:A confinement nanny, also known as a postpartum doula or a baby nurse, typically provides assistance and care to the mother and newborn during the postpartum period, usually...

Cost

Yue Sao Cost in the United States: 2024 Updates

The cost of hiring a Chinese postpartum nanny (yuesao 月嫂) in the US can vary widely depending on factors such as location, experience, services provided, and the duration of care needed. Since yuesao are specifically trained in traditional Chinese postpartum care practices, they might be in demand within certain communities or regions with significant Chinese populations.In the US, the rates for hiring a yuesao may align more closely with those of postpartum doulas or newborn care specialists, which generally range from $25 to $75 per hour. However, due to the specialized nature of their training and expertise, yuesao might command...

Postpartum

How Much Do Chinese Postpartum Nannies Cost? (United States vs. China)

In both China and the United States, the cost of hiring a postpartum caregiver, whether it be a Chinese postpartum nanny (yuesao) or a postpartum doula/newborn care specialist, can vary significantly based on factors like location, experience, services provided, and the duration of care needed.Generally, in China, postpartum nannies are referred to as "yuesao" (月嫂). In major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou, hiring a yuesao can be quite expensive, ranging from 2,000 to 5,500 Chinese yuan per day. Some yuesao may charge a flat rate for a certain period, such as a month, while others may charge by the...

Doula

How Many Hours Does a Postpartum Doula Work?

The number of hours a postpartum doula works can vary depending on several factors, including the needs of the family, the agreement between the doula and the family, and the doula's availability. Typically, postpartum doulas may work anywhere from a few hours a day to full-time hours, which could range from 8 to 12 hours per day. The number of hours a postpartum doula works can vary greatly, depending on a multitude of factors.Family's Needs: The primary determinant of a postpartum doula's work hours is the unique needs of the family. Every family's situation is different, and the level of...

Doula

5 Tips to Find an African American Doula Near Me

Finding an African American doula near you can be accomplished through several methods:Online Doula Directories: Websites like Bornbir have directories where you can search for doulas based on location and specialization. You can filter your search specifically for African American doulas.Social Media: Platforms like Facebook and Instagram may have groups or pages dedicated to doulas in your area. Joining these groups and asking for recommendations can yield results.Local Birth Centers or Hospitals: Contacting birth centers or hospitals in your area and asking for recommendations or referrals to African American doulas can be helpful. They may have lists or partnerships with...