Common Misconceptions About Doulas
Birth Doulas
1. Birth Doulas are new, “trendy” concepts
- Though “doula” was only coined professionally in the 1960s, the word itself can be traced back to ancient Greece (coincidentally, the same place my grandfather was born). The literal translation of the word is “a female servant for the childbearing woman”.
- Throughout history it has been recorded that women supporting their fellow women (and other birthing persons) has been a tradition practiced in many different cultures and forms throughout history and the world.
- Before the 1900s, it was common for midwives to provide medical care in the home of the birthing person, where emotional support and physical care from friends and family members who had experienced childbirth was not only welcomed, but was actually considered the norm.
2. Doulas will only work with people who desire a physiological birth (vaginal birth, with no drugs).
- Doulas work with families that are having babies. Period.
- From drug-free homebirths to scheduled, elective cesareans, doulas are there to support you through the birth that fits YOUR family.
3. Doulas are clinical healthcare providers, the same thing as a midwife
- Doulas are non-medical caretakers that provide educational, emotional, physical and sometimes spiritual support during pregnancy, through labor and birth, and briefly during the postpartum period.
- Doulas do not provide medical care in any way; however, they do provide a plethora of information, support, techniques and tools that can help you be more confident, informed, and prepared for a birth experience that is just as fierce and unique as you are.
Postpartum Doulas
1. Postpartum doulas are only for first-time parents or parents who had complicated births.
- Postpartum doulas are for everyone who is transitioning into parenthood. Having a new baby in the house is a huge change for anyone.
The “average” postpartum experience can be a whirlwind, with sleepless nights, constant feeds, and mountains of poopy diapers. Add on any of the symptoms of the postpartum body and ANYONE would need a helping hand, not just those who had complications or who are going through it for the first time. Everyone deserves a chance to thrive, not just survive during the postpartum experience.
2. Postpartum doulas are only for newborn care.
- Postpartum doulas provide care and support for everyone in the house. Every family’s needs and preferences are different, meaning the support given to every family is unique.
- Doulas can provide assistance with light housework chores, walk and feed the dogs, help with meal prep and cooking, help with older siblings… pretty much just lend a hand wherever it may be needed.
- I tell people all the time, “having a postpartum doula is like having a friend who just happens to know a lot about pregnancy, birth, postpartum and babies!” Anything you feel that you could ask of a friend, you should be able to ask of your doula, which is why it is so important that you and your doula “click”! Whereas your friend may not have the experience in whatever you’re asking, your doula will know just what to do and say!
3. All doulas are “crunchy”.
- This just isn’t true. I don’t know where the hell this information came from. There are doulas of various different molds and personality types, with diverse backgrounds and lifestyles that make finding the right fit all the more important when deciding who you allow within our birth space.
- I personally describe myself as a ‘scrunchy’ doula. This means that I believe that there is space for both modern medical science and holistic remedies or treatments within the birth space, and healthcare in general. Holistic remedies and modern medicine should hold hands, not spare against each other! This is why evidence-based information and care is so important, it helps when maneuvering through what the best course of action is for you and your family.
