Even if you didn't want to employ a doula for birth support, a doula can help with the birth preparation. Writing a proper birth plan and making informed decisions can be overwhelming, a doula can help with this.

Your calmbirth will help you will labour techniques, the more you relax, the less it will hurt. Deep breathing and water can make an enormous difference, as can calm support people. Staying home as long as possible, and allowing yourself to slip into the zone. If you feel you need an experienced support - do consider a doula you click with.

A doula can also provide information support (as well as emotional and physicial if you want it) for you and your partner.

Any intervention requires consent, which is where the informed decision comes in. Starting now, as you work on your birth plan, is when you make your informed decision. This way if you get 'fed up', the temptation of an unnecessary intervention (for convienience) is easier to avoid. You can remind yourself that it is not medically warrented. And 39 is hardly old.

It is also important to understand what risk really means. Studies may show an increased risk of still birth...but it is important to know what this really means. You are not 'overdue' before 42 weeks - the due date is Estimated - not Expiry. So follow your instincts, make informed decisions in your birth plan and make sure your birth team is on board.

xoxoxo
This is your Journey. You don't need permission, or to 'be allowed', to birth your way.