My Doctor Says I Don't Need a Doula. What Now?

The Essential Support: Why Every Expecting Parent Needs a Doula

Becoming parents is a transformative journey filled with joy, anticipation, and, let's face it, a fair share of anxiety. Expecting parents often receive advice from various sources about their journey into parenthood, including the birthing process. Doctors are an important part of any birthing team, but sometimes their expectations don’t match yours when it comes to your birth plan– including having a doula. In this post, we'll address some common concerns that doctors may have about doulas and argue why it's important for expecting parents to consider having one (including a script!).

Concern: Doulas Are Not Medical Professionals

One concern is the perception that doulas lack medical expertise. While it's true that doulas aren't medical professionals, they undergo extensive training in childbirth education, comfort techniques, and the emotional support needed during labor. Doulas work alongside medical teams, respecting the expertise of doctors while offering specialized support to the birthing person and their partner.

Would including a doula disrupt the medical team?

Doctors may worry that the presence of a doula could disrupt their established medical procedures. However, studies have shown that the inclusion of doulas often leads to positive outcomes, such as reduced cesarean rates, shorter labors, and increased overall satisfaction with the birthing experience. Doulas enhance the communication and collaboration between expecting parents and medical professionals, contributing to a more positive and efficient birthing process.

Is a doula even necessary?

Doctors may feel that a doula is unnecessary for birth, and advise you to consult friends or family instead and avoid the expense or hassle of finding a doula. However, the relationship you have with your doctor, friends, or family is unlike the one you have with a doula. Doulas are there more often than doctors, available for questions and concerns, and are there to educate and support you mentally and emotionally as well as physically. The essentially combination of experience and training with emotional support is one that’s difficult to find in anyone else. 

While the focus is often on medical professionals and birthing plans, one key support person is often overlooked—the doula. A doula, derived from the Greek word meaning "a woman who serves," is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to expecting parents before, during, and after childbirth. 

1. Emotional Support:

Pregnancy and childbirth are emotional roller coasters, and having a doula by your side can make a world of difference. Doulas offer a compassionate and reassuring presence, helping both parents navigate the highs and lows of this life-altering experience. Their continuous support ensures a more positive and empowering birthing experience.

2. Continuous Presence:

Unlike medical professionals who may have multiple patients to attend to, doulas are there solely for you. From the early stages of labor to the postpartum period, a doula provides unwavering support, creating a sense of security and comfort for both the birthing person and their partner.

3. Advocacy and Information:

Doulas are well-versed in childbirth and can provide evidence-based information to help you make informed decisions about your birthing plan. They act as advocates for your preferences, ensuring that your voice is heard and respected in the medical setting.

4. Pain Relief Techniques:

Doulas are trained in various comfort measures and pain relief techniques, such as massage, breathing exercises, and positioning suggestions. These methods can help manage intensity during labor, providing a more positive and empowering birthing experience.

5. Partner Involvement:

Doulas not only support the birthing person but also provide guidance and encouragement for their partner. This involvement helps partners feel more confident in their role, fostering a sense of teamwork and connection during the birthing process.

Standing Up for Yourself:

It's not uncommon for well-meaning friends or family members to question the need for a doula. Having a doula is a decision that gives you extra support in a vulnerable time, and medical professionals (and loved ones!) should respect that. Here's a script to help you communicate your choice:

Script:

"I appreciate your concern, and I understand that not everyone chooses to have a doula. For us, including a doula is about ensuring emotional and practical support during a huge transition in our lives. Having someone with experience and training, who supports me and my birth plan, is a way I’m choosing to set myself and my family up for a better birth.”

While concerns may exist about the inclusion of doulas in the birthing process, it's essential to recognize the valuable role they play in enhancing the overall experience. In the journey of parenthood, the support you receive can significantly impact your experience.  By working collaboratively with medical professionals, doulas contribute to positive outcomes, providing emotional support, advocacy, and comfort measures. Consider exploring the benefits of having a doula to create a more holistic and empowering birthing experience for both you and your growing family.

Are you looking for a doula right now? If you’re in the San Fransisco Bay Area, we’re happy to help. We connect people with Birth Doulas and Postpartum Doulas. Contact us today!