What do all of you think of doulas?

Question

I'm currently working on certification as a birth doula through DONA international. I've only had three clients so far, but love my job helping women have babies :)

I guess I'm wondering - what do you know about doulas? Not many people know much about them. Of course *I* know what a doula is LOL, but I'm just wondering what the perception is out there. Have you had one, or know someone who has? Would you ever consider having a doula at your birth? Why or why not? What would you expect if you did have a doula there?

Jill, I agree with you on the "there are good doulas and bad doulas" comment. DONA at least states very clearly in our standards of practice and code of ethics that we are not to provide any medical services or go over a doctor's head. Although I don't always agree with what a doctor may say or do, I keep my opinions to myself. (I'm sure you run up against that all the time as well.) Honestly I believe it is bad for a pregnant woman's emotional well-being if we tell her that her doctor is wrong - it just adds stress and creates a bad birth experience all around. We can, however, provide informational support as long as it is objective and evidence-based. Or we just let her know what is going on and make sure she has the questions she needs for the doctor to make the best decision for her. Email me and I'd love to talk to you about how I am learning to circumnavigate some tricky situations...it would be fun to talk. :)

Answer 1

I think the service that doulas offer is invaluable, especially since there are so many pregnant women out there who don't have the labor support they need for many different reasons (single, husband gone or deployed, emergency birth, etc.).

My friend had a wonderful doula present at her birth because the father was deployed to Afghanistan. I think it helped that the doula took time well before the birth to get to know the mom and learn her birth philosophy. She even attended the birth classes offered at the hospital so she would sort of "be on the same page" with the mom.

I know sometimes a doula is perceived as a threat or a hindrance to the doctor, but this misconception is unfair. The doula is basically the laboring mother's advocate. She speaks when the mother is unable to and stands behind the mother whatever she decides.

I think it is very helpful to the doula if the pregnant mother talks to her doctor/midwife beforehand and tells them a doula will be present. She might also even have the doula at some appointments - that way, the doctor or midwife will get to know the doula and see her as a useful part of the birth team.

As for getting a doula for myself, I have been very fortunate to have the labor support I need through the combined efforts of a very capable midwife and a wonderful, knowledgeable husband. I did consider getting a doula when my husband was deployed twice (Iraq and Afghanistan) but by the grace of God, he arrived in time to be there for both deliveries.

Congrats on the work you have chosen - I hope it is very rewarding for you!

Answer 2

Everyone is one of a kind in what they want in the course of being pregnant and hard work and supply. A doula can aid you by way of plenty considering a doula is aware of the whole thing approximately being pregnant and hard work and supply. The doula can aid you speak with the medical professionals and nurses and aid you get what you want. The doula may also be any person who will concentrate to you and furnish an ear so that you can speak to or vent to. However, if in case you have a husband or boyfriend, he could now not like any person else serving to you. He could wish to be the supportive one for you and could even get jealous of the doula. Some men do not appear to brain a doula, others suppose that a doula is senseless.

Answer 3

I think they are great in general. They take a lot of the pressure off of the spouse to perform in that coach capacity so that they can focus on just providing emotional support to their partner. Doulas know all the great tricks of the trade to help a laboring woman get through it.

But I will say, there are good doulas, and bad doulas. Bad doulas cause more harm than good. When they think they know what's best for the woman, when they try to trump the doctor or midwive's professional medical expertise, when they try to direct the staff in their jobs. . . that's not a good doula.

Answer 4

i know they comfort the women in labor and act as coaches and especially nice if no one is there to support you. i have seen them on tv and the people on tv really appreciated having them there.

Answer 5

i think there wonderful if people are comfortable with it!!!

i definitly plan on getting one!!!!!!!!

Answer 6

It's fine! :-)