Sad article about doulas in the New York Times

 Here is the article.  Here is my response.

This is really a shame that this mom had a negative experiences with her doula.  My role as a doula is to support the mom in whatever SHE wants.  This isn’t MY birth, it is HERS!  I would NEVER leave a mother during her birthing time, no matter what she chooses, she still needs support. 

I think it is important for moms to talk to a doula about their flexibility before hiring them.  I think most doulas are up front about their limitations… for instance the doula in the article who won’t take moms who are planning epidurals.  Good to know as a mom hiring her.  If you are even a little on the fence about getting medication, then choose a different doula!  Also if you hire a doula like that, make sure you ask, what if I change my mind!?

Personally, I tend to only work with moms who take my Hypnobabies class.  This is mostly because I only take 1 or 2 clients a month and in each class I teach I have some  students wanting to hire me, so I save my spots for them.  It works great; we already have a relationship from class, I know they are educated about the different interventions typical in a hospital; they understand normal birth and they have great tools for staying relaxed and comfortable during birth.  But I am totally open for them getting interventions, if they make an informed choice during the birth.  It is interventions done out of routine, rather than medical need, that parents tend to be concerned about. 

Honestly I was sad to see that a hospital has banned doulas.  I would be very hesitant to birth in a hospital like that, “From a nursing standpoint, too many crossed a line and interfered with my job,” is the comment from the article.  Well what were these doulas doing… supporting their clients rights to move around, make choices, say no to interventions, etc?  I don’t know, so I can’t really comment on it.  But I would be interested to learn more what these doulas were “doing”. 

During a birth I am not focused on what the nurses and doctors think, though as doulas we need to walk that line carefully.  I am there for the mom, not the staff.  I have only had one negative interaction with a nurse.  I could have done things differently in that instance and will in the future.  But she was scaring my VBAC mom needlessly and my protection instincts flared up.  I am fine with staff talking and informing my clients about hospital routines, but you don’t need to do it in a threatening, scary way. 

In conclusion, hire your doula carefully.  Pick a doula that is flexible!   I am open to my clients having whatever birth is best for THEM.  Most of my clients plan on going without medication, but this may change during the birth, depending on the circumstances.  I will support them in whatever they choose and I tell them that from the beginning of our relationship.