When I tell people I’m a doula I get a lot of responses like oh my gosh you deliver babies, or do you take over the dads job during labor?
I think there are a lot of myths about doulas. Here are a few of the most common myths.
As your Doula my goal is to help couples enjoy their birthing experience by providing educational support as well as physical. I can help you get through any doubts or fears that you or your partner may have, while helping you gain knowledge of the situation and comfort you along your birthing experience. Although Im not on call until 38 weeks I am there for you from the moment you hire me, via phone, e mail, text.
In our prenatal visits I will help educate you with questions you may have and help provide the needed resources for further research or care IE: Chiro, Energy work etc. I am there as apart of your birthing team and will support any decisions you make during your journey. A lot of people think that doula’s only support unmedicated moms and that is not true. I want to support couples in all birth settings. One of my goals as your doula is to help your partner feel at ease and educated about what is happening.
Here are 5 Common Myths about Doulas:
1 – I am not wanting to go unmedicated, so I wont need a doula.* Something to remember is as a doula I am there to support you no matter what your birth plan may be. If you are wanting a medicated birth there are still many ways that I am able to help you. ie: Positions on the bed that can help with rotation of baby and progression, education on what the next step of labor and birth may be and what to expect once its time to push, Support for the partner so they can feel comfortable with what is happening. I want to be there to support and educate you along the way no matter what birthing choice you have in mind.
2- I have a planned cesarean section. A doula cant help me. * As a fellow cesarean doula I cant stress this myth enough. There is so much as your doula that I can help with. A C-section is a major surgery and a mom and partner may have a lot of questions and may need help after. I am happy to be there before hand as well. Something I have done with c section mommas is make a blend of essential oils to help keep them calm and then also have something refreshing for them to smell while they are in the OR, I have been able to help dads know what is going on on the other side and help keep them calm while they wait for their sweet baby to arrive, I have also taken pictures for clients.
3- I have a midwife so there is no need for a doula. *Midwives are amazing! I have had my own and I don’t know what I would have done without her. However with that said I also don’t know what myself and my husband would have done without my doula(s) either. They were with me constantly and helped my husband feel comfortable with everything that was going on. Doulas are able to provide constant physical, educational, and emotional support. Most midwives suggest a doula.
4- I wont need a doula. I have my husband. * I love hearing husbands wanting to be involved. Birth can be daunting. As your doula I will never try and take over a dads position. I am there to help dad and be on your team. Birth can often require a lot of physical support. After time it can become tiring for mom as well as her partner. That is where I step in. I can provide breaks for the partner and give ideas of how he/she can help mom cope. As your doula it is my goal to only help during the labor process not replace.
5- Doula’s try and take over . * As your doula it is not my role to make decisions for you. It is actually outside of my scope to do so. I am simply there to help you as you are making decisions to feel educated/comfortable with your decision. As your doula I will not speak to the hospital staff on your behalf or coax you into making decisions. I help educate and help you feel comfortable. So the decision you are making is the correct one for you and your family.
I am happy to answer any questions that you may have.
mheaton23@gmail.com
801-916-3926 Meagan Heaton
