Your views on Doulas?

[sunnybrook23]

Hello,

I am seriously looking to become a doula. I was wondering how many of you have worked with them and what were your experiances?

Thanks,

Rebecca

[NurseMegA]

I have no problem with doulas as long as they don't get in my way. I actually think they can be very beneficial to the patients. I try to explain all procedures in very simple terms for my patients because I realize that sometimes they don't always understand our technical terms. I don't like when I take my time explaining things to a patient and then they turn to their doula and ask for them to explain it to them as well. No offense to the doula but for one I do what I do a lot more than they do and I know a lot more about what is going on then they do. If a doula is getting in my way and telling the patient what to do or worse yet telling me what to do then I have a real problem with them. I have asked a doula to leave the room before because she was not letting me do the job. She was telling me not to do something but the patient was not saying a word. Unless the patient says something I don't have to listen to the doula she is NOT my client.

If you can become a good doula that is willing to work WITH the nursing staff then more power to you and good luck.

[L&D_RN_OH]

Love them. Of course, I was a doula before I was a nurse. At my facility, we have quite a bit more women who choose natural childbirth over medicated. Unfortunately, sometimes we are just too busy to provide the amount of extra labor support I would really like too. I think the option of a doula is great. But I also agree with NurseMegA. A doula has to be willing to work with the nursing staff, rather than placing doubt in everything we say. I think it is a great experience for anyone planning on becoming an L&D nurse as well.

[SmilingBluEyes]

Originally posted by L&D_RN_OH

Love them. Of course, I was a doula before I was a nurse. At my facility, we have quite a bit more women who choose natural childbirth over medicated. Unfortunately, sometimes we are just too busy to provide the amount of extra labor support I would really like too. I think the option of a doula is great. But I also agree with NurseMegA. A doula has to be willing to work with the nursing staff, rather than placing doubt in everything we say. I think it is a great experience for anyone planning on becoming an L&D nurse as well.

ITA!:)

[Caseyrnbsn]

I have only ever worked with a Doula a few times. It was great! I wish we had more of them in the area. Unfortunately we do not. I was thinking of becoming certified and starting the service. I love being a L/D nurse but the thought of not charting and giving someone my undivided attention is very tempting. I have to look into it further.

[BETSRN]

I love doulas and they are worth their weight in gold as long as they do NOT have their own agenda ahead of their client's. Most doulas are great but they can make much difficulty if they do not advocate for the mother, but have their own agenda up there on top. I saw that happen once and it was very hard for the mother.

I apprecaite all the hands on help that a doula gives her client. She can be a wonderful resource to both the client and her significant other.