Let's take a clear look at some of the myths surrounding Doulas and examine how they serve mothers who choose, or require, medication for labor and childbirth.
Myth Versus Fact...
Myth: Doulas are only interested in supporting women who plan on giving birth without medication.
Fact: Doulas want every woman to have a positive and empowering birth experience. For some women, that means giving birth with as little intervention as possible. For others, laboring without medication is not even a consideration, either for personal or practical reasons. Many mothers are afraid of the unknown. What if the pain gets worse? Will I be able to cope? What if I wait too long and they won't give me any medication? What if I need an emergency C-section? With all these thoughts flying around, it's extremely difficult to relax and let birth happen, and fear intensifies pain. Obviously, a fearful birth is the opposite of a positive and empowering one, and no Doula wants her client to experience birth as a traumatic event. There are instances when medication is required for labor. While a Doula is trained to view birth as a natural and normal process, she's aware that there is a time and place for medical intervention.
Myth: Doulas push their opinions and philosophies onto their clients.
Fact: Doulas provide their clients with information so they can make informed decisions. Then the doula's job is to support the choices. A Doula does not make decisions for a couple.
Myth: A Doula will make me feel guilty if I "chicken out" and choose to use medication.
Fact: Your Doula will support you and your choices. She is interested in helping women have the best birth experience possible, with the healthiest outcome.
Myth: Women who use medication during childbirth do not need the services of a professional labor support person. There will be nothing for the Doula to do.
Fact: Women who plan on using medication for labor pains still go through the emotional roller coaster ride of childbirth, and they still need to make informed decisions regarding interventions. Women who plan on using medication are not "pain free" and they may need more help than non-medicated mothers during the pushing stages. In short, epidurals do not replace Doulas. "Epidurals and other medications do not remind the family members to eat. They do not remind mom to roll over, they do not fetch extra pillows. I feel a doula is needed for every birth, including Cesarean! The Doula can help take care of other family members ('Now's a good time to go get something to eat.' 'You should probably try to take a nap now while mom's resting.'), and continue to be a resource for mom and the family if complications arise. The reassurance a Doula brings is needed by all."
"My Doula supported my decision for an epidural after she and my husband made sure that it was truly what I wanted. When it took the anesthesiologist an hour and a half to show up, my doula was the only one who helped me through the pain."
Let's take a clear look at some of the myths surrounding Doulas and examine how they serve mothers who choose, or require, medication for labor and childbirth.