If I am giving birth with a midwife, why do I need a doula?

Your midwife is a medical professional. She is responsible for concentrating on the medical needs of you and your baby.  If you are giving birth in a hospital, your doctor, nurse and midwife may be also caring for other women in labor.  Your doula is by your side from the moment you call her to attend you in labor until after your baby is born.  She provides you with continuous care.

What if I want an epidural? Don't doulas make you have natural childbirth?

Doulas respect mothers' wishes for their births. We do not make decisions for you or pressure you to give birth the way we want you to give birth.  It is your birth and the decisions are yours to make.  Sometimes having an epidural can help during labor. The important thing is that you make informed choices.

My doctor said I do not need a doula.  Why should I have one?

Unless you doctor volunteers to sit with you throughout your entire labor, massage your feet, climb into the shower and hold you up, apply counterpressure to your aching back, help you balance on the birth ball, wipe your lady-parts and change your sheets,run and fetch you cool drinks, feed your husband,mop your brow, help bathe you after your baby is born and take those first newborn photos, you may wish to hire a doula.

What about my baby's father?  Isn't he supposed to be my coach?

No one can take the place of your baby's father when you are in labor.  It is one of the most intimate experiences a couple can have.  Doulas do not take the place of the baby's father.  Doulas support the baby's father. 

Most fathers have had little opportunity to experience birth.  They may find it overwhelming, very stressful, and even frightening to see you in pain.  Doulas support not only the laboring mother, but her partner as well. 

Your doula can teach your partner how to help you cope with pain.  She can help him understand what is happening and help him communicate with the hospital staff.

There will be times during labor when your partner may need to use the bathroom, eat something, or get some fresh air.  If he is afraid to leave your side, he may become exhausted.  An exhausted mate will be little help to you once your baby is born. 

Initially you may both be riding the high of joy that comes with giving birth, but the following day (when you have had too many visitors and you have been woken up repeatedly to have your vital signs monitored) you will be exhausted - just in time to leave the hospital and go home with a newborn. With your doula by your side, your partner may even be able to take a nap during labor.