Resources

Benefits of Doula Support in Pregnancy

Mar 28, 2025 | How To Guides, Referrals, Surrogacy, Uncategorized

Summary

Doula's support birthing people and Intended parents with pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the transition that takes place after baby arrives. Whether you are conceived naturally, with medical intervention, with donor gametes, or with surrogacy, as a surrogate or Intended Parent, doula's are an incredibly valuable asset to the birthing experience.

The origin of the word “Doula” dates to ancient Greece, though women supporting women through pregnancy and delivery have been around since the dawn of time.But what does a Doula actually do? And how can you, and surrogates, benefit from their support?
Below is the self-reflection of one Doula, on the support that she offers her clients. I have preserved her message in the first-person tense to highlight her authenticity and passion, and to illustrate that vibes really do matter. It’s so important to find a doula who is a good personality fit for you, just like in therapy.

Empowered Birth: The Doula Difference

Pregnancy and childbirth are like climbing a mountain—it’s an intense adventure, and I’m here to be your trusted guide every step of the way! As a doula, I’m not just a support person; I’m your personal Sherpa in the birth world, dedicated to making your journey as smooth, informed, and empowering as possible.

What Does a Doula Do?

Doulas are trained professionals who provide non-medical support to individuals and families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. We’re like your personal cheerleaders, offering continuous emotional, physical, and informational support throughout this incredible journey. Here’s what I do:

Emotional Support: I’m your rock, your confidante, and your biggest fan. Whether you need a shoulder to lean on, a hand to hold, or someone to make you laugh during those intense moments, I’ve got you covered.
Birth Preparation: Together, we’ll explore all your options and craft a birth approach that feels right for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all in birth—I believe in YOUR way. My role is to educate you on everything from pain management techniques to labor variations so you feel confident and prepared for whatever comes your way.
Comfort Techniques: From massage to breathing exercises and movement strategies, I’ve got a whole toolkit of pain relief methods up my sleeve. We’ll find what works best for you to keep you comfortable and focused during labor.
Informed Decision-Making: Knowledge is power! I’ll provide evidence-based information about procedures, interventions, and alternatives so you can make choices that align with your values and preferences. Whether you’re crafting your birth plan or navigating unexpected changes during labor, I’m here to empower you with the tools you need to make confident decisions.
Advocacy: When you’re in the zone during labor, I’m your voice. I ensure your preferences are heard and respected by your care team, empowering you to have the birth experience you desire without judgment or pressure.
Creating the Perfect Atmosphere: Need some calming music? How about aromatherapy or dim lighting to set the mood? I’m on it! I’ll transform your birth space into a sanctuary of calm and positivity that helps everyone feel grounded and connected.
Postpartum Support: The journey doesn’t end when the baby arrives. I’m here to support you through those early days of parenthood—whether it’s breastfeeding assistance, newborn care tips, or emotional check-ins to make sure you’re feeling supported as you adjust to this new chapter.

Doulas for Gestational Carriers and Intended Parents

Doulas offer specialized support for both gestational carriers (GCs) and intended parents (IPs), ensuring everyone’s needs are met during this unique journey.

For Gestational Carriers:

Emotional Preparation: Carrying a child for someone else is an incredible gift but can come with complex emotions. I help surrogates navigate these feelings with compassion and care.
Specialized Birth Education: I provide tailored information specific to surrogate pregnancies, so GCs feel confident about their role in the process.
Customized Comfort Techniques: Together we’ll develop pain management strategies that respect both the surrogate’s preferences and the intended parents’ wishes—teamwork makes the dream work!
Postpartum Care: After delivery, I offer specialized support for physical recovery and emotional processing—whether that includes milk suppression assistance or simply holding space for reflection on this amazing journey.

For Intended Parents:

Emotional Support: Pregnancy through surrogacy can be an emotional rollercoaster for intended parents—I’m here to help manage those feelings of excitement, anxiety, or uncertainty as we approach delivery day together.
Inclusion Strategies: I create meaningful ways for IPs to feel connected to their baby’s arrival—from helping them participate in labor rituals (if desired) to facilitating bonding moments after birth.
Birth Preparation: I guide IPs in crafting a plan that honors their wishes while respecting the surrogate’s needs- A delicate balance that requires thoughtful communication and collaboration!
Postpartum Transition: Once baby is home, I offer resources and emotional support as IPs adjust to parenthood

My Doula Style: Reading the Room & Bringing Good Energy

Here’s the thing—there are doulas for just about every personality out there, but I pride myself on being someone who can read the room like nobody’s business. Whether it’s knowing when to crack a joke to lighten the mood or when silence is golden, I’m adaptable and intuitive in every situation.

I believe in creating a fun yet harmonious team environment where everyone feels supported—whether that means working closely with partners, medical staff, or family members involved in the process. My goal is simple: Bring good energy into every space I enter while ensuring YOU feel empowered every step of the way.

And remember—I don’t believe in one “right” way to give birth; I believe in YOUR way. My job is to help you navigate this journey with confidence and joy while honoring what matters most to you.

The Benefits of Having a Doula Like Me

With me by your side, you can expect:

A more positive and empowering birth experience
Reduced anxiety through education and emotional support
Better communication with your medical team
A supportive space free from judgment or pressure
Improved chances of achieving your birth preferences
A smoother transition into postpartum life

Insurance Coverage

Starting January 1, 2025, many insurance plans in California will cover doula services thanks to Assembly Bill 904—making these services more accessible than ever before! Other states are following suit with Medicaid coverage already available in some areas.

About Me

Hi! I’m Jill Magoffin—a certified doula based in Los Angeles and Ventura County who’s passionate about helping families navigate their unique birth journeys with confidence and care.

As a mom of four myself (yes—I’ve been there!), I bring both personal experience AND professional expertise into every client relationship I build. When I’m not supporting families through pregnancy & postpartum life—you’ll find me biking around town or writing children’s books about doulas (because kids should know how awesome we are too!).

If you’re ready for compassionate care infused with good vibes & personalized attention—let’s connect! Visit my website at jillmagoffin.com for more info or reach out directly—I’d love to be part of YOUR story!