I am about to go into labor any day now and wanted to hear your opinions on doulas. I am delivering at the hospital I work at (I'm an RN on a med/surg floor) and have hired a doula to assist me and my husband in labor.
It is VERY uncommon for women to show up with doulas at my hospital. In fact, my doctor said she has never had a patient use one, ever. So I am a little worried about the impression this is going to make on my nurse. I want to make sure we don't step on my nurse's toes and that he/she understands that, if anything, the doula's presence is going to make their job a whole lot easier.
My doula will NOT be speaking to the staff on my behalf. She will simply be there to help me get through the pain of labor, as I'm trying to go unmedicated.
What are your thoughts? How can I set myself up for success right away? My goal is true collaboration among all parties.
Good for you for going against the grain and hiring a doula. Maybe you will start a well needed trend! Maybe you could introduce your doula to the nurses in the L&D department before you go into labor, allow her to explain her role and that it will not infringe on the nurses role. Remember this is YOUR baby YOUR body and YOUR birth...not the nurses!
Speaking for myself only....I am perfectly aware of the role of the doula in the birthing experience. I think it needs to be said to make sure that the doula knows her role in the experience as well so that she knows we are not trying to infringe on what she is doing...... just my 2 cents
I am a nurse midwife and three years ago did a stint as an L&D nurse. I think doula's are incredible...and I recommended one to a fellow faculty member who is pregnant. I agree with the person that wrote this is your birth. There is a book out by Klaus...doulas make a big difference in your birth outcome. They are not intended to take the place of L&D nurses...but rather are there to "mother the mother." In these times of tight staffing, most L&D nurses are not staffed to care for you 1:1. It is too bad...but the truth. Helen
I've had mixed experiences with doulas. I can remember a great one who was very supportive and she really did take on a role of a supportive family member. But then I can remember another one who dictated a lot to the patient and spoke on her behalf in a firm way that didn't seem as though she was stressing the patient's wishes, but her own. She even walked right into our med room to grab a Nurses Drug Guide off the shelf because she didn't believe what we were telling her about Nubain. She was confrontational and treated the nurses and OBs like we were all the enemy.
I agree, as long as the doula knows your expectations of her and understands that she needs to be as flexible as you are in the dynamic process of labor, then that's proper etiquette.
I realize that this is an old post but this applies to any women using a doula so I think its relevant.
As a nursing student and CNA here is my opinion on the issue. I think if having a doula is what helps you as a mother to get through labor and helps you will all of the things that you need to think about and deal with as being a new mother then go for it. I think of doulas kind of like having family members visit you in the hospital, as long as they aren't making this all about them (and not about you) then there isn't a problem with them being there. In fact, most of the time the family members/doulas help to provide that emotional support and comfort that most nurses just don't have enough time to do anymore. I will say that if your bringing a doula with you to the hospital while your in labor then I would suggest that you be upfront and honest with the staff and explain that this person is your doula and that they are here to provide you with support and helping to keep you comfortable while your delivering. I think you will find that many nurses aren't against doulas because it allows the mother to have that extra attention that a busy nurse just isn't able to give due to time restraints. I think the big problem that sometimes happens with nurses and doulas is that many nurses have not encountered doulas and are a little unfamiliar with the role which makes them a little apprehensive and the nurse needs to be speaking with and addressing the needs of the mother and with some doulas they tend to overstep their bounds and it interferes with the nurse's assessment and care of the mother. Doulas should be supporting the mother and helping to make sure her needs are being meet (as best as they can be met) but need to realize they are not health care professionals and need to make sure they are not interfering with the health care aspects of childbirth. I would say to any mother using a doula that you should sit down with the doula before you go to the hospital (if you are going to the hospital for your birth) and make sure that you explain to the doula exactly what you expect of them and what you would like done in certain situations if you are not able to best express your wishes at that time. I've heard a variety of things from some mothers on what they expect of their doula in the hospital setting, some wish that the doula writes down every detail of what is going on (from what medications the nurse gave them to the names of any staff that have come in the room to speak with the mother) versus some mothers just want the doula to hold their hands and take pictures. It really does vary from person to person but I would make sure that you try to be as prepared ahead of time as possible (although there is only so much you can prepare for) by letting your doula know what is expected of them and your physician and nurses know that the doula is there for your support but won't be stepping on anyone's toes. Good luck!
This is your baby, your body, and your birth; not the nurses. That being said, it sounds like you will not have any problems if she is there to support you and not be an advocate. Just assure the nurse up front of this. I am a certified labor doula, I do not necessarily not advocate for my clients, I do my best to help my clients advocate for themselves. i.e. if my client does not want an epi and I see the doc pulling out the scissors I will say loud enough for the doc to hear, "The doc is going to cut an episiotomy now, is this still something you do not want?" There are not too many problems in this area however, doulas are known in our hospital and one hospital does not even do episiotomies except in emergency situations. MOST of the hospitals are natural birth friendly which usually means doula friendly.
As "suewolfie08" posted last Nov and was about ready to deliver, Congratulations! I hope your labor went well and that you are basking with your sweet babe! Although possibly too busy to check these posts anymore, let us know how your experience went with your Doula support. Or just post photos of your baby! Either way, best of luck!
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HeartsOpenWide, RN
1 Article; 2,889 Posts
Good for you for going against the grain and hiring a doula. Maybe you will start a well needed trend! Maybe you could introduce your doula to the nurses in the L&D department before you go into labor, allow her to explain her role and that it will not infringe on the nurses role. Remember this is YOUR baby YOUR body and YOUR birth...not the nurses!