Why Hiring a Doula Leads to Better Birth Outcomes (And How You Can Afford One)

If you are pregnant or you think you will be pregnant someday, this episode breaks down what a doula is, what a doula does, and ways that you can afford to hire one.

Related Links:

Rainbow DoulaRainbow Doula on FacebookRainbow Doula on InstagramEmail KelseyPro DoulaMore about the Community Pooled FundDoula Medicaid ProjectThe IRS lists "doula or birth coach" as one of the things that is 100% covered by an HSA! Same with your FSA. You need a letter of medical necessity, which any OG/GYN or Midwife can sign for you.Benefits of hiring a doulaQueer Birth Project4th Trimester Bodies Project

Doula stats:

Up to 50% more likely to have a vaginal birth and up to 25% shorter labor (source)Higher Apgar score and more likely to rate the birth experience positively (source)Up to 60% less likely to use an epidural (source)

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Kelsey is a birth, postpartum, and postoperative doula, and the Founder of Rainbow Doula DC, a queer-focused doula collective in the DC area. She focuses on a culture of respect for all birthing people, and is hoping to shift the culture around birth to be more inclusive of non-binary and trans folx. She is passionate about an approach that is trauma-informed and rooted in consent-based care. Before coming to doula work, Kelsey worked in international relations and reproductive health advocacy. Find out more about queer-inclusive birth work at www.RainbowDoulaDC.com.

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To learn more about Maggie and her coaching and speaking services, visit www.maggiegermano.com.

The theme music is called Escaping Light by Aaron Sprinkle. The podcast artwork design is by Maggie’s dear husband, Dan Rader.