Once you learn what a doula is, your next question may or may not be: why should I hire a birth doula?
Maybe you’re also thinking:
I already have a birth plan all written out, so I don’t think I need any other help.
My partner/family/friends will be there so I don’t need somebody else in the room to witness me pushing another living being out of my birth canal.
Isn’t it enough to have my OB/GYN or midwife there?
These are legitimate thoughts. But let me offer a few reasons why a birth doula might be a little helpful.
I’ll start with the last one, because it is important: doulas are not medical professionals. Our purpose is not to tell you that it’s time for an epidural, or to read the results of a fetal heart rate monitor. We do not do cervical exams or prep you for a cesarean-section. The purpose of a doula does not include performing medical tasks.
So then, what’s the purpose of having a doula?
Although the attitude in America is that birth belongs in the medical sphere, it’s important to remember that birth is also deeply emotional. Birth can be tough mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Birth can be–and often is–overwhelming, and there may be times where you feel like you are completely out of control. The doctor/midwife, and the nurses are there to make sure that you are physically healthy, and that your baby is also healthy. They are doing their jobs. However, their job does not usually include time to make sure that you, the birthing person, are not feeling scared, overwhelmed, or disappointed.
This is where a doula can come in very handy. The doula is not checking test results or administering an epidural. The doula is giving you suggestions about positions that will alleviate pain, massaging your lower back, and making a point to check in with you about how you are feeling about everything that’s going on. The doula–unlike everyone else in the room–is not focused on you and the baby. The doula is focused on you.
Let me repeat, because I think this is important: the doula is there to focus on what’s going on with you. Of course your doula cares about what’s happening with your baby. But your doula knows that you have qualified doctors/midwives and nurses who are taking care of your baby. Your doula wants to help you have a birth experience that is not full of pain, fear, and confusion.
This leads into another reason doulas are useful: they can take the strain off of your partner/family/friends who are with you. Your loved ones might also be feeling scared or overwhelmed. They may not know what to do when they see you in pain. They may feel uncomfortable leaving you to get food, take a nap, run errands, or when they need a moment to collect themselves. The doula is there to reassure and calm your loved ones, and your loved ones can be sure that your doula will stay with you whenever they need to step out for a moment.
Your doula is also there to explain things that are happening and to help you process them. Maybe your birth plan stipulates that you don’t want chemical interventions, like an epidural. But then you labor for much longer than you thought you would and your doctor suggests an epidural. This may be a big deal for you, because you were determined not to have any interventions. Your doula will not make your decision for you, but they can be your soundboard and help you process changes in your birth plan. Your doula can remind you that birth can be unpredictable, and there is no shame when something like an epidural or cesarean-section become necessary.
Many reasons exist to have a doula. Some doulas have been trained in rebozo, aromatherapy, or prenatal yoga. Other doulas are also trained childbirth educators. Some doulas have experience with complicated pregnancies, so birthing persons who are already struggling with a complicated pregnancy can have the extra support.
So why go doula?
The decision is ultimately up to you, but I hope you know that the resource is open to you, and everything that is included in that resource. Everyone deserves to have support during their birth. Everyone deserves to have the knowledge and power to know if they do or do not want a doula.
Winding Path Doula 