What do nurses think about doulas?

Nursing Students General Students

Published

I have an acquaintance who is a doula, and I honestly think she is annoying. They seem to insist in natural births when they are not health care professionals. I know they are trained and can be really helpful, especially for first time parents. I could be wrong, but I think that what really matters is the health of the baby and the mother, not if the baby was delivered naturally or assisted (I had both, a lady partsl birth and a c-section).

Doulas like to attack the use of pain medications and c-sections. What do you guys think?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Not for me AT ALL, but I think if mother and baby are healthy and the mother feels more comfortable with that, then who cares. Typically people who want a hospital birth and pain meds (me, whenever I have kids) aren't going to be seeking the help of a Doula anyway.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think every mother-to-be should decide what she is most comfortable with and how she wants to give birth. As long as everyone is on the same page as far as emergency medical care for mom and baby should it be needed, there is nothing wrong with a mother choosing to use the services of a doula if that is what she wants.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

It's not for everyone, but sometimes people who do want a non-medical birth need someone in their court that can navigate on a basic level the types of things that one will see, and have that person as an advocate for them. A doula is also very supportive of both parents as they go through the birth process (and sometimes beyond). For many people, HOW their birth goes is as important as the outcome. Some people don't care as much, and that's fine, but for those for whom an intervention-free birth is important, I see nothing wrong with having a doula. Not all doulas are Nazis about pain medications or c-section, either. An experienced doula recognizes that every intervention has its place. You're lumping them all into one big assumption, which isn't fair to doulas or the mothers that seek their services. I hope that if you choose to pursue this area of nursing, you open your mind a little bit.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

In general, doulas are used for women seeking a natural unmediated birth, so of course they are going to push for no interventions. If a mother planning a hospital birth hires a doula, or a mother who planned a home birth or birth center birth ends up in the hospital, the doula is their spokesperson in a way. It is the doulas job to push for the parents wishes. If you are finding them annoying, it's because you are disagreeing with the parents wishes, not the actual doula. And the doulas I've met have been far from a natural birth nazi. I have yet to encounter one who acts the way you describe. Open your eyes to the various choices pregnant women have for their birth (because to many the experience matters just as much as the outcome) and stop hating on the doula who is there to support the parents to be.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB, Postpartum, Nursery.

When I stopped and thought about it, historically women have had "support" from other women during birth. Modernization of birth has created an atmosphere where the woman is not holistically supported. I think doulas are a way for birthing Moms to reconnect to the feminine, themselves and others. Plus it helps to have someone there to support your wishes and give a nudge when the Mom wants to speak up but may feel intimidated. Doulas cannot speak for the Mom or Dad, but they can help them navigate the birthing process. It should be all about the Mom and newborn, their safety and creating a supportive enviornment for all. A doula's mantra is, "This is not my birth."

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I do not believe they push for it. I believe they advocate for mom who is in the throws of labor. Moms usually set up a birth plan with the doula well before going into labor. They help the mom by speaking up for what HER wishes were at the outset.

Wholeheartedly believe that the US has way too high of induction rates and C-section rates. No, I've never worked OB, nor do I care to. I do know that if I were to have another baby I would most definitely have a midwife. Not sure if I would need a doula, but no opposition to them here.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in IMCU, Oncology.

I tried to have a natural unmedicated birth in a birth center. My doula was priceless in helping me deal with the and keeping as comfortable as possible. I had an OP posterior presentation! My midwife was great too and kept constant checks on my health and babies and knew exactly when I needed to go to the hospital! Then the hospital gave me a chance to finish out naturally and when it wasn't possible anymore, gave me a C-section. My doula was with me for almost 24 hours and never once pushed for anything regarding my medical care, she was only supportive of me and what I needed! She cleaned up my vomit and did so much to help!!! As others have said, doulas advocate for the mother wants and needs. They do not offer medical advice most of the time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

OMG! lol I never said I hate doulas :roflmao: Thank you for the valid points and for offering your opinion about doulas.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
OMG! lol I never said I hate doulas :roflmao: Thank you for the valid points and for offering your opinion about doulas.

No one said you hated doulas. We were just offering our thoughts like you asked:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

In this age where "unnecesareans" seem to almost be the norm doulas do what they can to help a birthing mom achieve a natural birth or at least feel in control of her birthing experience.

Why do you find your doula acquaintance annoying?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
No one said you hated doulas. We were just offering our thoughts like you asked:)

Are you sure nobody said that?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment