The Doula Difference

A lot of birthing women and their partners have the fear that hiring a doula will be redundant.  They may also feel that a doula will “take the place” of Dad and he will no longer have a leading role in support.  Dads can feel hurt that their partner doesn’t trust them and they may worry that a doula’s presence may interfere with the intimacy of the birth experience. Be assured that a doula will never replace the father’s role during birth.  Doulas compliment the birth partner and together they are able to provide an amazing support team for the mother.  Birth can often be an overwhelming event for many fathers – Since fathers were brought into labor and delivery in the 1960's and 1970's  often times they were the only support person available to the mother, they are to remember everything from childbirth preparation classes, physically and emotionally support the mother, and take care of themselves all while experiencing the birth of their child too...

Labor support in modern maternity care has undergone many changes in the last few decades. Our current medical model provides little continual support to birthing mothers as many nurses are often spread out over several patients. This is not to say that they lack the caring nature that draws so many into the nursing and obstetrical field, just that they have been pulled in several directions. This is why I feel pregnant mothers across the nation are increasingly receptive to hiring a doula to attend them at their birth. This idea is a difficult one to understand as a husband, sister or for grandmothers to be. Doula's do not replace them, they only offer additional support. The word Doula is greek term for 'woman's servant'. When I am asked what a doula is, I commonly state that they are like a childbirth educator who goes to the actual birth with you. A person who has vast knowledge of the process of not only childbirth, but oftentimes, common hospital procedures and...