Written by: Sadna, Doula & Founder of Daisy Doula Birth Services
When you think Doulas what comes to mind? There are a LOT of myths and preconceived notions out there about Doula’s which unfortunately deters mothers and families from accessing the valuable support they need to have a positive birth and postpartum experience.
1) “Doula’s and Midwives are the same.”
Doulas and Midwives are both very unique professions with different skill sets but both share that common goal of supporting mothers, partners, and their families through pregnancy and after childbirth. A Doula is a trained non-clinical professional whose intentions is to provide physical, emotional, and evidence- based information throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period. On the other hand, Midwives are health-care professionals who provide primary clinical care to you and your newborn during pregnancy, birthing process, and during the postpartum period as well.
2) “My partner and mother can provide all the support I need.”
A question I receive often is “Why do I need a doula when I have my partner and family members to help me?”. I always love hearing that partners are dedicated to being that primary support person and feel emotionally and mentally ready to support the mother. If this is the case, a Doula can still be beneficial to the family by providing support to both parents while making sure that the partner has the knowledge to fully support the mother. Although a partner may feel they are ready for the birth, some individuals may feel an adrenaline rush as soon as labour begins, and they may need support themselves. A doula is there to be that extra pair of hand as well as provide objective, unbiased, and evidence-based information to parents that a partner or close family member may not be able to provide due to their own personal experiences and bias.
3) “Doula’s are only for middle-class and wealthy people.”
While it may appear that Doula’s are only meant for those of a greater socio-economic status this is not true. Many doula’s do offer a sliding pay scale to accommodate the needs of the individual. A Doulas fee may be based on their experience, the geographic location they are serving, if they are providing day or night support, as well as their clientele. Some doulas may choose to work with individual’s pro-bono who may be of a lower socio-economic status as they are at a greater risk of having a negative birthing and post partum experience. All individuals have the ability and the right to interview multiple doulas to determine the best fit for their family as well remain within their financial means.
4) “A Doula can not help me because I am having a planned caesarean birth (c-section)”
Say this out loud – “Doulas are for EVERYONE!” There are so many misconceptions when it comes to doula care as it is sometimes solely associated with natural childbirth. Doula’s can be used in a variety of settings which include home births, hospital births, and birth centres or wherever you choose to give birth. In a car anyone? Just kidding.
A doula can help you prepare prenatally for the day of your c-section by creating a birth plan for a c-section, doula’s can help answer any questions about the procedure and get the answers to any questions you may have, a Doula can act as a liaison to receive updates about the baby if you are separated, remain in the operative room if possible as a support person in case your partner is with the baby in the nursery, as well as provide postpartum support.
Doulas are also able to connect you with appropriate resources such a Maiya Ahluwalia a Registered Dietitian who focuses on supporting your prenatal and postnatal nutrition goals to remain physically and mentally healthy throughout your journey. The guidance given by Maiya, can then allow me as postpartum doula to help you prepare your meals to ensure you are receiving adequate nutrition as your body heals after delivery and to support breastmilk production (if you are breastfeeding).
Interested in learning more about how I can help you?
Feel free to email me at [email protected] to set up a thirty-minute complimentary consultation or visit my website at daisydoulabirthservices.ca
Sadhna
