Will a doula replace the Father's role?
Initially, some clients have hesitation about my role as a doula. They are concerned that my services are there to replace the father or other support person that has been chosen to be by mom's side. This is far from the part I will enact during your birth. ...click here to read more
If I really trust my doctor, should I still consider outside help?
A doula is not there to replace your caregiver. In contrast, she compliments the work of your caregiver and completes your experience. Not having a doula will leave you lacking in the following ways...
- Doctors and hospital staff have a load of tasks to complete and obligations to fulfill to other patients. Even if your doctor and hospital staff are completely on board with your birth plan, you will find that they have little time to spend with you as you labor. A doula fills in this gap and provides constant care to the mom and her birth partner.
- Studies have proven that having a doula (in conjunction with your caregiver) will...
...click here to read more
A doula will not infer her own birth philosophy and beliefs on her client's birth experience. Instead she adamantly supports their informed decisions and birth plans. She does not perform medical procedures, give medical advice, make medical decisions for clients or deliver the baby.
Do I have to have a 'natural' (without pain medication) birth to have a doula?
No. A doula will not make you feel guilty for choosing to labor or birth in a particular way. She will support you through any decision and help enhance any type of labor whether it is all natural, medicated, vaginal or cesarean. She will however, provide you with the necessary information and birthing tools needed to refrain from interventions as long as possible for the benefit of the baby (and mom).
Additional information about labor doula services can be found throughout this website and on the following links:
CAPPA Position Paper, Evidence-Based Labor Doula Care
What Do Doulas Deliver?
Doula Revolution
Why Hire a Doula?
Dads and Doulas