doula faqs
1. A doula will try to replace my husband as my main support person.
A doula enhances the father’s support by helping him relax and have confidence in his role. Doulas can support the dad by meeting his needs, offering him rest when he is tired, and assuring him that things are progressing normally.
2. Doulas are only for “earth mamas” that want natural childbirth and she wouldn’t support me if I choose medication.
A doula recognizes that this is YOUR birth. She works for you. Her job is to ensure a satisfying birth experience as YOU define that. She is there to help you achieve the experience you desire.
3. I don’t really see the need for a doula, her role is redundant.
The doula’s role in childbirth is not like that of anyone else. A doula is the only member of the support team that is solely there to stay by the mother’s side and provide answers, comfort, encouragement, peace, and confidence as needed throughout the entire process. A doula’s role is to make everyone else’s job a little easier.
4. That’s what the nurse is for.
Nurses often have several patients at a time and there are frequent shift changes. Even if you are fortunate enough to have a very helpful, attentive nurse that is on her shift throughout your entire labor and delivery, she probably won’t be able to stay solely by your side. But if you hired a doula you are certain to never be left alone and when she works with that nurse, you have double the wonderful support!
5. I have a midwife, I won’t need a doula too.
Midwives do provide wonderful, personalized care, but they sometimes have to be more involved with the clinical aspect of your delivery and may sometimes have to leave your side. Having a doula as well, ensures that you will have personalized care on the clinical, physical aspects of delivery, and personalized care from a doula who’s sole focus is on your well being and feelings about what is happening.
6. A doula will intrude on this intimate, private family moment.
Labor and delivery rooms can become very chaotic places with many people you don’t know running in and out. A doula can actually act as a guard on your privacy by running interference on excess staff and facilitating communication between you and your caregivers so there is less need to check in on you unnecessarily. She can help you maintain a private, soothing atmosphere. A doula can also preserve your memories of these intimate moments by documenting them for you by taking photographs and/or notes.
7. We’ve been to a class, we’ve practiced our breathing, I know what to do.
When labor actually gets going it is hard to remember everything you learned in class. Things may happen that you don’t understand. A doula understands the physiology of childbirth, she knows medical lingo and she knows ways to make labor easier and shorter. Having a doula with you is like taking your childbirth educator to the delivery room!
8. A doula is a stranger, I won’t be able to relax and be myself in front of her.
Doulas take the time to get to know their clients personally before labor ever begins. By meeting you in your home and answering questions, as well as providing loving touches in her prenatal care, a doula ensures that by the time you arrive in the delivery room, she will be the most familiar, comforting face you’ll see there.
9. The medical staff will automatically respect all my wishes.
Unlike a doula, they don’t work solely for you. There are many factors and routines that shape the medical care you receive in a hospital. Many times it is simpler to follow standard procedure than to work with each birthing mom on their preferences regarding her options for childbirth.
10. I have already had a baby, I know what to expect.
Each pregnancy and childbirth comes with its own set of circumstances and issues. A mom who has already been through the process would especially benefit from the help of a doula because she knows from experience what she wants or doesn’t want this time and a doula can help her accomplish her goals.
11. I can’t afford a doula.
Doulas fees vary from area to area and based on experience, may vary from doula to doula. With a little research and questioning you can find a doula in your price range. If you have asked around and price is still a problem, consider asking your health insurance about covering or sharing the cost of the doula. With the rising popularity of doula assisted births and the amazing statistics on how doulas can actually lower the cost of your childbirth, many insurance companies are getting on board. If you are still having trouble affording your doula, talk with her. Doulas are caring, flexible people and most will work out a financial plan with you that works best for everyone.
A doula enhances the father’s support by helping him relax and have confidence in his role. Doulas can support the dad by meeting his needs, offering him rest when he is tired, and assuring him that things are progressing normally.
2. Doulas are only for “earth mamas” that want natural childbirth and she wouldn’t support me if I choose medication.
A doula recognizes that this is YOUR birth. She works for you. Her job is to ensure a satisfying birth experience as YOU define that. She is there to help you achieve the experience you desire.
3. I don’t really see the need for a doula, her role is redundant.
The doula’s role in childbirth is not like that of anyone else. A doula is the only member of the support team that is solely there to stay by the mother’s side and provide answers, comfort, encouragement, peace, and confidence as needed throughout the entire process. A doula’s role is to make everyone else’s job a little easier.
4. That’s what the nurse is for.
Nurses often have several patients at a time and there are frequent shift changes. Even if you are fortunate enough to have a very helpful, attentive nurse that is on her shift throughout your entire labor and delivery, she probably won’t be able to stay solely by your side. But if you hired a doula you are certain to never be left alone and when she works with that nurse, you have double the wonderful support!
5. I have a midwife, I won’t need a doula too.
Midwives do provide wonderful, personalized care, but they sometimes have to be more involved with the clinical aspect of your delivery and may sometimes have to leave your side. Having a doula as well, ensures that you will have personalized care on the clinical, physical aspects of delivery, and personalized care from a doula who’s sole focus is on your well being and feelings about what is happening.
6. A doula will intrude on this intimate, private family moment.
Labor and delivery rooms can become very chaotic places with many people you don’t know running in and out. A doula can actually act as a guard on your privacy by running interference on excess staff and facilitating communication between you and your caregivers so there is less need to check in on you unnecessarily. She can help you maintain a private, soothing atmosphere. A doula can also preserve your memories of these intimate moments by documenting them for you by taking photographs and/or notes.
7. We’ve been to a class, we’ve practiced our breathing, I know what to do.
When labor actually gets going it is hard to remember everything you learned in class. Things may happen that you don’t understand. A doula understands the physiology of childbirth, she knows medical lingo and she knows ways to make labor easier and shorter. Having a doula with you is like taking your childbirth educator to the delivery room!
8. A doula is a stranger, I won’t be able to relax and be myself in front of her.
Doulas take the time to get to know their clients personally before labor ever begins. By meeting you in your home and answering questions, as well as providing loving touches in her prenatal care, a doula ensures that by the time you arrive in the delivery room, she will be the most familiar, comforting face you’ll see there.
9. The medical staff will automatically respect all my wishes.
Unlike a doula, they don’t work solely for you. There are many factors and routines that shape the medical care you receive in a hospital. Many times it is simpler to follow standard procedure than to work with each birthing mom on their preferences regarding her options for childbirth.
10. I have already had a baby, I know what to expect.
Each pregnancy and childbirth comes with its own set of circumstances and issues. A mom who has already been through the process would especially benefit from the help of a doula because she knows from experience what she wants or doesn’t want this time and a doula can help her accomplish her goals.
11. I can’t afford a doula.
Doulas fees vary from area to area and based on experience, may vary from doula to doula. With a little research and questioning you can find a doula in your price range. If you have asked around and price is still a problem, consider asking your health insurance about covering or sharing the cost of the doula. With the rising popularity of doula assisted births and the amazing statistics on how doulas can actually lower the cost of your childbirth, many insurance companies are getting on board. If you are still having trouble affording your doula, talk with her. Doulas are caring, flexible people and most will work out a financial plan with you that works best for everyone.
why hiring a doula?
Shorter Labors
60% decrease in requests of epidurals
50% decrease cesarean sections
40% decrease in use of pitocin
30% decrease in use of narcotics
30% decrease in use of forceps
Fewer birthing complications
Decrease perception of pain during labor
Increase satisfaction with the birth experience
Long-term benefits include:
Improved breastfeeding
Decreased postpartum depression
Greater maternal satisfaction
Better mother-infant interaction
Improved relationships with their partners
Boost in overall self-confidence
60% decrease in requests of epidurals
50% decrease cesarean sections
40% decrease in use of pitocin
30% decrease in use of narcotics
30% decrease in use of forceps
Fewer birthing complications
Decrease perception of pain during labor
Increase satisfaction with the birth experience
Long-term benefits include:
Improved breastfeeding
Decreased postpartum depression
Greater maternal satisfaction
Better mother-infant interaction
Improved relationships with their partners
Boost in overall self-confidence