If a Doula were a drug, it would be unethical not use it.
-John H. Kennell MD
Here’s A small list of common myths surrounding Doulas and the support they provide:
Myth: Doulas “Deliver” babies.
Fact: The only things Doulas “Deliver” is: unconditional support, passion, strength, love and knowledge.
*We leave catching babies to Midwives, Obstetricians, Doctors and the parents!
Myth: Doulas Control your birth experience.
Fact: Doulas assist mothers and families in taking control of their own experience. Bridging the gap between the expectant parents & their care providers. Advocating for better birth practices, providing the mother and her partner with important resources, knowledge and the skills needed to achieve their desired birth. While Improving birth Outcomes. Doulas will not force their idealized version of a “perfect” birth on anyone.
Myth: Doulas only assist in Un-medicated or “natural” births.
Fact: Doulas are there to aid the mother and her partner in however and wherever they choose to birth their baby. Doulas can help provide the education or resources needed in order for the mother to be informed of her choices; so that she can feel comfortable in whatever way she chooses to bring her baby into the world. We do not discriminate or pass judgement. We collaborate with the expectant parent(s) and tailor our support in a way that fits each unique experience. Doulas are for hospital births, home births, cesarean birth, birth in a Birth Center, a birth in nature or a water birth. It is not our job to pass judgement about your choices, so long as you felt informed, empowered, and supported.
Myth: You don’t need a Doula if you have a birth companion…
Fact: “Data from a wide variety of medical, cultural, and economic settings
also makes clear that with the continuous emotional and physical support
of a labor assistant there can be a:”
- 50% reduction in overall cesarean rate,
- 25% reduction in length of labor,
- 40% reduction in pitocin use,
- 30% reduction in the use of pain medication
- 40% reduction in the use of forceps,
- 60% reduction in the request for epidural anesthesia.
- Increased maternal satisfaction
- And Increased Breastfeeding success.
(Mothering the Mother. Klaus, Kennell and Klaus.1993)
The positive effects of continuous labor support are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the Medical Leadership Council, an organization of over 1,200 U.S. Hospitals.
Looking for more Evidence Based information on Doulas? Find it here and here.
Myth: “I don’t need a Doula because my husband and I work great together as a team.”
Fact: AWESOME! Nothing I enjoy more than watching mama’s & their partner sway together, sing & moan together, laugh, touch & support one another. It makes my job easier! I can also provide support to fathers who aren’t feeling confident or prepared, I can suggest different positions, techniques & ideas to help the laboring mom work through her surges. I can be there when the partner needs a bathroom break, a nap or food. If the mother gives birth by cesarean, I can stay with the mother while the father goes with the new baby. Your Partner understands you, I understand birth. Together we can make an outstanding team!
Myth: “My Nurse/Doctor/Midwife, will be there to support me anyways.”
Fact: Doctors, Nurses & Midwives have a lot of behind the scenes work to do. Attending other women, paperwork, medical care & a change of shifts. Doulas typically don’t have a “quit time or change of shifts,” we are there from the time we are requested to the time you are ready to be left to your new family. We are there for the continuous support of the mother. Your whole experience is important to us. The Medical Professionals work for the hospital. We work for the Mother.
Myth: Doulas provide medical care.
Fact: This is absolutely far from the truth. Doulas are trained not to over step their boundaries or work out of their “scope of practice.” Doulas do not Provide:
- Vital Sign Measurements
- Cervical checks
- Checking Fetal Heart Tones
- Give Medical advice or Diagnose
- Again, Doulas do not catch babies
As a Doula, I work alongside the Medical Providers to enhance the level of support a mother receives.
I hope this clears up some of the common myths!