You Don’t Need A Doula
Posted on: November 22, 2015 | Doula
I see the same conversation over and over in my birthy groups and all over the internet…
Pregnant woman: I want an all-natural birth and have no idea where to start! I am delivering at XYZ. Does anyone have any experience with a natural birth there? Ideas?
Woman 1: You NEED a doula!
Woman 2: Have you thought about a home birth? Have you looked into a doula?
Woman 3: Don’t be crazy, get the epidural. It was amazing!!!
Woman 4: Get a doula and run far from XYZ Hospital!!!
You get the idea.
I am here to go against the current trend. You don’t need a doula, home birth, 10 page birth plan, etc. You need food, water, and air, but you do not NEED a doula.
A doula can be a wonderful support person while you are in labor, delivering, and afterwards. They may have suggestions on laboring positions to help with your comfort or different relaxation techniques. The doula may help the nurses to roll you from side to side after you have gotten the epidural and can no longer feel your legs. (yes, a good doula does not abandon you if you decide to get pain medications or even a cesarean!) Your doula may even put your hair up in a top bun for you after she cleans it and washes your face because you got sick.
The doula can be a great asset to your birth partner too. When many women are in labor they do not want to be left alone. Yes, they may not want a 3 ring circus going on around them, but usually they would like someone to be there. What happens when your partner gets hungry or has to use the restroom?
Enter the doula!
Your doula could make sure to keep not only your water glass or ice chips full, but also your partners. They will stay by your side while you partner gets some rest or visits with family in the waiting room. The doula stays with you and shares their knowledge, as much or as little as you want.
Can you have a “natural” birth without a doula? Absolutely! A doula cannot “save” you from interventions.
Can you have the birth experience you want in a hospital? That is up to you. You make the decisions to choose a birth team you trust and can express your wishes to.
Do you NEED a doula? Heck no!
Do you WANT a doula? Well, do you…
Your words and perspective are spot on! Great post!