The Birth Doula | Myths & Misconceptions
There are some common misconceptions that people have about doulas. Let’s touch down on a few of them today!
# 1: That’s like a midwife, right?
This is one of the most frequent responses I get when I tell people I am a doula. Doulas are similar to midwives in that both careers surround birthing people and babies being born. But that is pretty much where the similarities end. Doulas are not medical professionals - they do not catch babies, perform medical procedures, or give medical advice. While a midwife’s primary focus is the health of the birthing person and baby, a doula focuses on supporting the birthing person (and their partner), so they can feel confident, have less fear, and have the best opportunity for a happy, healthy bond as a new family.
# 2: Doulas are only for “natural” births
First, can we take the phrase “natural birth” and throw it out the window? The birth of a baby is natural, regardless of how they enter this world. Nevertheless, the word Doula commonly brings up thoughts of women birthing at home, with no interventions and minimal assistance. I’m here to let you in on the secret that doulas today are well equipped to support way more than that. Today’s doulas are trained in every aspect of labor and birth, and can support you through it – whether you are planning a midwife-assisted home birth, a hospital induction with an epidural, a planned cesarean (yes, doulas can support cesarean!), or anything in between.
# 3: Doulas only support the birthing person
I have to be honest – As a doula, most of my focus is usually on the birthing person. Most of the time, they are the person that needs the most support. But that doesn’t mean that dad, grandma, sibling, or other support person doesn’t need support for themselves. That’s why doulas are flexible. We are generally good at reading the room and figuring out who needs what. Doula support for a partner might look like reminding them to hydrate and eat as necessary, recommending ways they can jump in and support the birthing person too, reassuring them through uncertainty or fear, and answering questions they have.
# 4: Doulas can control the outcome of your birth
As much as doulas would love to give you the exact birth that you want, with no compromises and no deviation from your birth plan, we don’t have that kind of power. Unfortunately, a doula can’t guarantee that your birth will go exactly as planned. Still, we can assist in formulating a plan, support you through any changes or curveballs thrown your way, and help maintain your birth plan as much as possible.
Have questions? Want to know more about birth doulas? Let’s connect!
