Misconceptions About Doulas
There still remains a lack of uniformity and standardization among doula training organizations and individual doulas themselves disagree on certain aspects of this work, so I speak for myself and many of the other doulas I know when I address these common misconceptions about doulas.
Doulas only support a certain kind of birth. There is an idea that doulas only support (or at least prefer to support) unmedicated births, typically at home. While doulas are certainly equipped with comfort measures and coping techniques that can help people achieve an unmedicated birth if that is what they desire, doulas value ALL kinds of birth and can support whatever kind of birth you choose. Many people who are planning to get an epidural are surprised when they hear all of the ways that a doula can support their birth. Doula support includes physical support (which is 100% needed with an epidural as well), but it includes so much more, even in the weeks and months leading up to the birth. While doulas each have their own convictions about birth and how they might prefer to birth themselves, we make every effort to leave that at the door and support the kind of birth that YOU want, without our own judgments or preferences clouding things.
A doula will encourage you to go against medical advice. Doulas do not give medical advice. They do not make decisions for you in the birth space. They can provide information if requested or help you decide what questions to ask your provider. Then they will support the decision that you make for your family. The job of the medical provider is to keep you and baby safe. Our job is to make you feel supported in whatever the circumstances are.
Doulas don’t get along with medical staff. Doulas are professionals who work at creating positive relationships with all OBs, midwives, and nurses they interact with. We recognize we have different roles and work at fulfilling our unique role within our scope of practice that complements their roles. We are all on the same team of caring for the family.
Doulas take over the role of the partner. We respect the unique role that only partners can fulfill for the laboring person. A doula is for the whole family, partners included! We want to hear about what both parents are expecting of the partner’s involvement and keep that in mind throughout the labor. We encourage the partner to be involved and may provide guidance for ways that they can provide support to the laboring person. This might look like showing a counterpressure and then allowing the partner to take over (until they get tired!) while we take care of filling waters or providing more verbal encouragement, or suggesting a position change that the partner then facilitates. We also keep a close eye on the partner and make sure their needs are being met as well. To be the best support person they can be, they need be rested, fed, and hydrated. Knowing that the laboring person will not be alone if they need a quick break allows them to reset if needed. We work to complement their role and never intend to replace it!
The doula will leave if ________. Some believe doulas will leave if they decide to get an epidural or if they go back for a C-section (and unfortunately this can be the case for some doulas). Doulas should continue their support throughout the entire birth, no matter what decisions are made or the outcome. Everyone is worthy of continued support and doulas can continue to provide encouragement, attentiveness, and comfort measures no matter the circumstances. Due to provider preferences, doulas may not be allowed in the room for the placement of an epidural or in the OR for a Cesarean birth, but we will step out and then continue our support when we are able to. You should be able to make decisions confidently knowing that your support team is always with you.
