Whole Birth Experience
One birth at a time

 
 
Labor & Delivery/ Birth Doula FAQ

Will a doula push her idea of a perfect birth on me?

A doula will help you construct your personalized birth preference plan. The doulas dose this by providing you with ample information and resources so you can make informed choices for your family-to-be. Alternatives may be suggested for the couple to consider, however, the choice is the couples. A doula's job is to aid in making the birth the best it can be.

What about Daddy (or who ever it might be)?

A doulas role is to support the entire family-to-be. The fathers/significant others role is a major part of the family. While the doula may care for you (the father, and the baby), you guys get the baby! Their respective roles are similar, but the differences are crucial. The father or partner may be better able to provide continuous support, but typically has little actual experience in dealing with the labor process. Even more important, many fathers experience the birth as an emotional journey of their own and find it hard to be objective in such a situation. Studies have shown that fathers usually participate more actively during labor with the presence of a doula than without one. A responsible doula supports and encourages the father in his support style rather than replaces him. Farther are encouraged to participate in the birth at whatever level they are most comfortable. This means he can go to the bathroom, grab a bite to eat, or if labor is particularly long, even take a nap without worrying about leaving the mother laboring alone. If he prefers to take pictures and leave things like massage up to the doula, he can.  If he would prefer to be the one massaging or holding her hand, the doula can fetch water, and deal with any other tasks that may come up. (Doula's are unable to pee for farther or partners at this time.) A doula tends to the details, leaving the partner free to focus on what's really important to them.

Won't my nurse do all this too?

Labor and Delivery Nurses are usually providing care and treatment for many patients at a time, and are also responsible for a tremendous amount of paperwork. This limits the time spent with each individual patient. Nurses may be unable to provide the constant support you desire during labor even if they truly wanted to. The nurse's main responsibility is to monitor the progress of the laboring woman and give that information to the care provider. A doula will provide you with continuous support throughout your entire labor, unaffected by shift changes, and help for some time after the birth as you and your partner are getting to know your new family.

Do I need a doula if I'm planning to birth at home and/or am using a midwife?

Having a doula present takes the pressure off your midwife. A doula will be providing extra support, which allows your midwife to focus more on the clinical aspects of your labor and birth. In a hospital setting, a midwife may need to complete hospital paperwork or attend to other laboring women under her care. While in home births a doula can be an intricate part of the home birth team as each labor support person brings unique gifts to offer the mother-to-be.

 

I am planing on having un-natural childbirth. Why would I want a doula?

Doulas are useful for more than just coping with pain management in a natural childbirth! Although a laboring mother may be anesthetized, she may still experience the emotions of labor. She may still need encouragement and reassurance that all is well. Women with epidurals are often considered "low-maintenance" patients and may see their nurse less often than a mother laboring without medication.  A doula can support a medicated mother-to-be and her wishes concerning labor and delivery while offering comfort and encourage to her through the birth process. Sometimes a Cesarean section surgery becomes medically necessary to ensure the safety of mother and baby. This can be a bit scary for both mom and her supporters. A doula can be an excellent source of support to all. Additionally, the doula can remain at mother's side once her birth partner has accompanied the baby to the nursery. Postpartum support can also continue in the recovery room following a Cesarean section surgery. At this time, doulas may assist in different ways including helping with breastfeeding, ensuring mother is comfortable, and helping with visitors, and more.
If you are planing an elective Cesarean section surgery, please, go find another doula. I really want the best for all women, but in this case you will find some else more supportive. 

I just gave birth; Can we have a few moments alone without being rude?

A doula should not take offense to this request. If your wish is to have the doula leave for a moment (at any time during the birth), it is a duty of a doula to support you by leaving the room. The role of the doula is to offer complete support to both mother and family-to-be.

Will you be critical of my decision to use formula?
"Should you have lingering questions about nursing and still have the desire to improve your nursing experience, the doula will support you in any way necessary. The decision to fully formula feed your baby is very personal and not subject to the doula's evaluation. Our doulas wish to nurture your growth into your role as mother, and respecting your parenting decisions is our job." Is the Politically Correct answer doulas' normally give, however I am a very strong believer in Breastfeeding. While I will support formula when medical necessary, I ask if you are planing on fully feeding synthetics from birth please find another doula.

My life style beliefs are very important to me...

Birth is a deeply spiritual experience, and it is encouraged to all  clients to explore how they can best incorporate their beliefs in their birth.  Only the greatest respect is had for clients' beliefs and experiences. Free will and personal accountability is   it everyone must make there own choices, and even if throws choices are not the choices we would make, they should be honored. We would be happy to discuss this in more detail with you.
 

If you are unable to find the information that you are looking for here then let's talk about it, always feel free to e-mail me.
Adding Fun

Perhaps we share stories in much the same spirit that explorers share maps, hoping to speed each others journey, but knowing the journey we make will be our own.
~Gloria Steinem on motherhood

 
Stay In Touch


E-mail Me!

Or


Call Me!
201) 458. 2205