8 reasons people don't hire doulas
While doulas are definitely becoming more available and accepted.
More families know and understand the benefits to having one be apart of their birth experience,
there are still many who aren't familiar with what a doula does or why you should hire one.
1/.She doesn’t know what a doula does. A doula is someone,
in most cases a woman, who has received training to assist women and
their families in birth. They are an addition to the birth team and work
towards helping you have the experience that you want, using physical,
emotional and mental support. The truth is, what a doula does, looks
different for every woman and every birth.
2/.Thinks doula replaces the partner. A doula is
not a replacement for a partner. While a doula probably has more
experience in birth than the partner, the doula can’t bring things to
the table that the partner can, specifically their love of the laboring
woman. That said, some partners want to take very active roles in the
birth process, while others do not. A doula can act as an assistant to
the partner who wants a very active role, helping to remind them of
things the woman wanted before labour or making suggestions, but allowing
the partner to be the main support as the doula helps to set the
environment up and maintain the little pieces of the laboring puzzle. A
doula can also take a very active role in the support of the labouring
woman.
3/. It’s not recommended by their doctor.
If your doctor is not recommending the use of a doula, that would be a red flag to me. I would want to know why they felt that way. Perhaps they don’t really know what a doula is or what a doula does. Maybe the doctor has never worked with a doula or has had a previous negative experience. Maybe it’s more a chance for the doctor to say how they feel and for you to talk about why you would like a doula. Sometimes a heart to heart conversation really is all that is needed. Sometimes you can even have a meeting between your doula of choice and your doctor. But if your doctor is saying you don’t need support – get specific about how your needs will be met and by whom. If they say they and the hospital staff provide that – ask other women who have given birth there, because their idea of taken care of and the doctor’s may be totally different.
If your doctor is not recommending the use of a doula, that would be a red flag to me. I would want to know why they felt that way. Perhaps they don’t really know what a doula is or what a doula does. Maybe the doctor has never worked with a doula or has had a previous negative experience. Maybe it’s more a chance for the doctor to say how they feel and for you to talk about why you would like a doula. Sometimes a heart to heart conversation really is all that is needed. Sometimes you can even have a meeting between your doula of choice and your doctor. But if your doctor is saying you don’t need support – get specific about how your needs will be met and by whom. If they say they and the hospital staff provide that – ask other women who have given birth there, because their idea of taken care of and the doctor’s may be totally different.
4/. She has a midwife already.
A midwife can certainly have some of the same skills in her toolbox that a doula does. (There are also some doctors who have these tools!) But a doula is uniquely situated to only be caring for a single mother at a time and is not also managing her medical care and that of her baby. This unique focus on the part of a doula is a great addition to any team, even when a midwife is on the team already.
A midwife can certainly have some of the same skills in her toolbox that a doula does. (There are also some doctors who have these tools!) But a doula is uniquely situated to only be caring for a single mother at a time and is not also managing her medical care and that of her baby. This unique focus on the part of a doula is a great addition to any team, even when a midwife is on the team already.
5/.She doesn’t plan to have a home birth.
Many mothers erroneously think that having a doula is only for mothers choosing home birth. Certainly, there are doulas who do work in a home birth setting. There are also doulas who only work in a home birth setting, but there are also doulas who only work in hospitals or birth centers. Ask around, you can find doulas who will work in hospitals, the vast majority of doulas work in hospitals.
Many mothers erroneously think that having a doula is only for mothers choosing home birth. Certainly, there are doulas who do work in a home birth setting. There are also doulas who only work in a home birth setting, but there are also doulas who only work in hospitals or birth centers. Ask around, you can find doulas who will work in hospitals, the vast majority of doulas work in hospitals.
6/.She is considering an epidural.
A doula is for every woman who wants one, regardless of how she intends to give birth. This includes using medications like an epidural or even having a planned cesarean. A doula never dictates what you should do in your birth, but does help you achieve your goals that you set forth. Sometimes plans change and those plans are outside of anyone’s control. Your doula will help you as you deal with new decisions that have to be made in labor, including changes in avoiding or seeking medications.
A doula is for every woman who wants one, regardless of how she intends to give birth. This includes using medications like an epidural or even having a planned cesarean. A doula never dictates what you should do in your birth, but does help you achieve your goals that you set forth. Sometimes plans change and those plans are outside of anyone’s control. Your doula will help you as you deal with new decisions that have to be made in labor, including changes in avoiding or seeking medications.
7/.All doulas are hippies/earth mothers/science geeks.
Just as mothers come in all shapes, sizes and philosophies - so do doulas. If you’re looking for a doula that is or is not a certain philosophy, there’s a doula out there who meets your criteria!
Just as mothers come in all shapes, sizes and philosophies - so do doulas. If you’re looking for a doula that is or is not a certain philosophy, there’s a doula out there who meets your criteria!
8/.She worries a doula costs too much.
Cost is certainly an issue for some families. The vast majority of doulas will work with mothers who wish to have their services to make it affordable. This can be through the use of payment plans, bartering, and sometimes sliding scale costs. There are numerous ways to pay for your doula. That said, please know that doulas work long, hard hours. They invest a lot in their education and the costs in time away from their family and work is great. Doulas deserve to be fairly compensated for their work.
Cost is certainly an issue for some families. The vast majority of doulas will work with mothers who wish to have their services to make it affordable. This can be through the use of payment plans, bartering, and sometimes sliding scale costs. There are numerous ways to pay for your doula. That said, please know that doulas work long, hard hours. They invest a lot in their education and the costs in time away from their family and work is great. Doulas deserve to be fairly compensated for their work.
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