Debunking Myths About Doulas

Let’s be honest, most people have no idea what doulas actually do. Many think doulas replace midwives and others think doulas takeover their birth. As a doula, I have heard it all. So let’s dive into what a doula really offers.

Doulas are trained professionals who provide emotional, physical, and informational support to women and families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Despite the many benefits of working with a doula, there are still many myths and misconceptions about what doulas do and how they can help. I’d like to set the record straight.

Myth #1: Doulas are only for women who want a natural birth

While doulas are certainly a great resource for women who are planning a natural birth, they can also be helpful for women who are planning to give birth with pain relief or who are having a planned cesarean section. Doulas can be incredibly helpful during cesarean births. A doula can help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your birth plan, regardless of your preferences.

Myth #2: Doulas will interfere with medical care

Doulas are not medical professionals and do not provide medical care. Instead, they work alongside your healthcare team to provide emotional and physical support. Doulas have a general understanding of your options and can help facilitate communication between you and your healthcare providers. We care about informed choices.

Myth #3: Doulas are expensive

While it’s true that working with a doula does require an investment, many doulas offer a range of packages and payment plans to make their services more accessible. Additionally, the benefits of working with a doula can be substantial, including reduced rates of interventions and a more satisfying birth experience. Many would say it’s worth it! A tip I often share is to create a Doula Fund and ask your community to contribute.

Myth #4: Doulas take over the role of the partner or support person

Doulas are for dads and partners, too! Doulas are not meant to replace the role of the partner or support person, but rather to complement it. A doula can help dad feel seen and feel like they are an active participant in birth. This is important because many dads report feeling excluded. This is their birth, too and they should never feel excluded from the birth of their child.

Myth #5: Doulas only work with women who are having babies

While many doulas do specialize in working with pregnant women and families, some doulas also offer support for families with surrogates and other unique situations. Additionally, there are doulas dedicated to supporting families through pregnancy and infant loss, as well as their time in the NICU if they aren’t able to take baby home right away.

Working with a doula can be an incredibly positive and empowering experience. By dispelling these common myths about doulas, we hope more women and families will feel empowered to seek out the support they need during childbirth and beyond.

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