Is Meghan Markle Using A Doula?

Spring is just around the corner, and Meghan Markle is enjoying the final months of her pregnancy. The Duchess of Sussex is set to give birth to her and Prince Harry’s first child in April or May of 2019.
Though they are in the midst of a massive life change, the royal couple hasn’t missed a beat so far. They have continued to attend numerous events while renovating their new home, Frogmore House. Markle, who is an ultra-organized former actress reportedly already has her birth plan in order. Will the duchess be using a doula when she gives birth?

What is a doula?
A doula is a non-medical professional whose sole purpose is to advocate on behalf of the mother. More and more women, especially women of color like Markle who are more at risk during birth are opting to have doulas at their side during labor and delivery. Doulas are present to provide comfort and emotional support, but they do not replace doctors, nurses, or midwives.

Is Meghan Markle using a doula?
As Meghan Markle gears up to give birth, she is working with a doula. According to US Weekly, “Markle has reportedly been using a doula during her pregnancy who has visited her and Harry’s homes multiple times. Meghan is focused on calm and positive energy around the birth – she’s a big believer in that.”

Meghan Markle’s birth plan
The Suits alum already has a birth plan in mind. Though this is Markle’s first child, she and Prince Harry are reportedly considering a home birth instead of the traditional hospital birth at St. Mary’s Hospital Lindo Wing. Since the prince and the duchess will be moving to Frogmore House in Windsor–about an hour away from London, getting Markle to St. Mary’s in the midst of labor would be too far of a trek.
In addition to her doula and Prince Harry, Markle’s mother Doria Ragland will also be present in the labor and delivery room. Vanity Fair reports, “Doria plans to be around a lot when the baby arrives, and there are plans for her to have a dedicated space at their new home. She wants to be on hand to help Meghan and Harry with the baby. Doria will be involved, and if she’s involved she will be encouraging Meg to go for a natural birth.”

Will Meghan Markle post for the traditional post-birth photo opp?
Since Markle probably won’t give birth at Lindo, we highly doubt she will be posing for that traditional post-birth photo. After all, it seems absurd that any woman would want to engage in a full-on photoshoot just hours after giving birth. As a source close to the royal family explained, “Harry and Meghan are intent on doing things their own way. One way or the other, they will get what they want.”