Doula FAQ's:
I know I will get an epidural, so how will I benefit from having a doula? Some studies show that if
an epidural is given after 5 or 6cm, labor progress is comparable to that of unmedicated labors. If it
is your wish, a doula can help you manage your labor until you reach that point. But more importantly, a
doula's job is to care for the emotional needs of a laboring mother, regardless of what type of birth
the mother has planned or what medical interventions she has chosen or declined.
My partner wants to actively participate in the delivery. Won't a doula just get in the way? No
one can love and support you the way your partner can. However, many partners have never been through
a labor and delivery. They may be nervous and anxious about such a new experience or perhaps about
their partner's discomfort. A doula supports the partner as well, so that he or she can provide the
encouragement that you have come to love and depend on.
The nurses are great at my hospital. Why would I need a doula? There are plenty of wonderful,
loving, attentive nurses. But nursing shifts change, and nurses can be managing the care of multiple
patients on a busy unit. Having a doula means that you have someone continuously who is well familiar
with you, your partner, and your birthplan. I will stay until you and your family have reached a settled
point post-partum.
What's the difference between a baby nurse, a post-partum doula, and my own very helpful
mother? Typically, a baby nurse cares for the baby only, whereas doulas are trained to care for the
needs of the family, from mother to older siblings. Doulas also help mothers with breastfeeding and
screen for post-partum depression. And while no one can replace your mother, her experience with
infants was perhaps a long time ago. She may not be familiar with some of the parenting ideas you have
been considering.
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, I will support you in any way necessary.
The decision to formula-feed your baby is very personal and not subject to my evaluation. As a doula, I
wish to nurture your growth into your role as mother, and respecting your parenting decisions is my job.
an epidural is given after 5 or 6cm, labor progress is comparable to that of unmedicated labors. If it
is your wish, a doula can help you manage your labor until you reach that point. But more importantly, a
doula's job is to care for the emotional needs of a laboring mother, regardless of what type of birth
the mother has planned or what medical interventions she has chosen or declined.
My partner wants to actively participate in the delivery. Won't a doula just get in the way? No
one can love and support you the way your partner can. However, many partners have never been through
a labor and delivery. They may be nervous and anxious about such a new experience or perhaps about
their partner's discomfort. A doula supports the partner as well, so that he or she can provide the
encouragement that you have come to love and depend on.
The nurses are great at my hospital. Why would I need a doula? There are plenty of wonderful,
loving, attentive nurses. But nursing shifts change, and nurses can be managing the care of multiple
patients on a busy unit. Having a doula means that you have someone continuously who is well familiar
with you, your partner, and your birthplan. I will stay until you and your family have reached a settled
point post-partum.
What's the difference between a baby nurse, a post-partum doula, and my own very helpful
mother? Typically, a baby nurse cares for the baby only, whereas doulas are trained to care for the
needs of the family, from mother to older siblings. Doulas also help mothers with breastfeeding and
screen for post-partum depression. And while no one can replace your mother, her experience with
infants was perhaps a long time ago. She may not be familiar with some of the parenting ideas you have
been considering.
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, I will support you in any way necessary.
The decision to formula-feed your baby is very personal and not subject to my evaluation. As a doula, I
wish to nurture your growth into your role as mother, and respecting your parenting decisions is my job.
Helpful Readings:
Deliver This! Make the Childbirth
Choice That's Right for You, No
Matter What Anyone Else Thinks,
by Marisa Cohen
The Birth Partner, by Penny Simkin
Natural Childbirth the Bradley
Way, by Susan McCutcheon-Rosegg
Breastfeeding Made Simple: 7
Natural Laws for Breastfeeding
Mothers, by Nancy Mohrbacher
Your Amazing Newborn, by Klaus
and Klaus
Deliver This! Make the Childbirth
Choice That's Right for You, No
Matter What Anyone Else Thinks,
by Marisa Cohen
The Birth Partner, by Penny Simkin
Natural Childbirth the Bradley
Way, by Susan McCutcheon-Rosegg
Breastfeeding Made Simple: 7
Natural Laws for Breastfeeding
Mothers, by Nancy Mohrbacher
Your Amazing Newborn, by Klaus
and Klaus