Do I Need A Doula? 5 Myths About Birth Doulas

If you’re expecting, you may have asked yourself, among a million other questions, “do I need a doula?” I asked myself the same thing when I was pregnant with both of my sons. There is so much emphasis put on what to buy or pay for after baby is born, but in my experience, not enough is talked about when it comes to actual labor and delivery. Birth is a huge deal! And bringing a doula onto your birth team is definitely something to consider. Today, I’m happy to bring on a guest author: Deja Ramos, Co-Founder at The Birth Companions in Sunnyvale, to talk about 4 common misconceptions people have about doulas.

Myth #1: Doulas are just for natural births. I’m planning on having an epidural, so I don’t need a Doula. 

Fact: There are Doulas who focus their work on natural births or home births. But there are also Doulas who see the greatest need for support in hospital settings. Navigating the policies and protocols of hospital birth. Including epidurals! Doulas can help mitigate some of the impacts that an epidural can have on labor progress by suggesting and supporting position changes.

It is important to talk to lots of Doulas and find one that fits your unique fingerprint.

Myth #2: Doulas are expensive.

Fact: Professional Doulas with many years of experience can be out of reach of some expecting families. But, the research on the benefit of Doulas is about continuous labor support. The research doesn’t make a distinction between an experienced Doula, a professional Doula, or an expensive Doula–just a present Doula. Someone who isn’t related to you, who is at your side through thick and thin. So, if finances are a concern, you might consider a newer Doula; someone who is trained but is still working on the experience required to become certified. You can get passionate, giving, wonderful Doulas at reduced prices because they need someone to take a chance on them.

Myth #3: The hospital nurses will do all the things I need, so why should I pay for a Doula?

Fact: Labor and Delivery nurses are awesome and invaluable members of the birth team. But they have a list of priorities that does not start with the parent’s emotional well-being. They have several patients to support at any given time, they must chart or document the labor progress, they are held to the doctor’s orders and hospital’s policies. A private Doula is freed from all of these constraints. The Doula starts with getting to know you before labor and helping to apply your values to your labor experience. She is focused on your emotional wellbeing in addition to the physical outcome of your labor. 

Myth #4: I’m having a home birth with a Midwife, so I don’t need a Doula. 

Fact: Home birth Midwives are the guardians of physiological birth, and they have many tools to keep your birth safe at home. But home birth Doulas are the masters of labor coping strategies. They are the ones spending hours and days with labors, keeping you calm and coping. Many home birth Midwives have Doulas in their circle because they recognize the value they bring to the labor experience. 

Myth #5: If nothing goes wrong in my labor, then the Doula isn’t worth it.

Fact: As a Doula, I will admit, there are births where I feel more impactful than others. If it was challenging and I helped navigate that challenge, then I made a difference. If all went smoothly, then I was there to witness a beautiful journey.  But you can’t know going in which one you’ll have. And there is benefit to having that person at your side, ON your side, regardless if things go smoothly or hairy.

A Doula is a companion who isn’t scared, is knowledgeable, and is focused on your desires/needs/experience.

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Still asking yourself, “do I need a Doula?” Visit The Birth Companions to see if a Doula on their team could be a good fit for the birth of your baby. And if you’re looking for a photographer to capture the deliciousness that is newborn life, get in touch with me!