Top Ten Myths About Doulas

1. Myth : A Doula won't let a laboring woman take any pain relief drugs.
Truth: A Doula is there to help support a laboring woman so the woman has a safe and satisfying childbirth as the woman defines it.

2. Myth: A Doula will interfere with medical advice.
Truth: A Doula will not interfere with medical advice. She facilitates communication between all involved and encourages her client to ask relevant questions so she can make informed choices. Doulas do not make decisions for their clients.

3. Myth: A Doula will "take over."
Truth: A Doula is there to facilitate and enhance the relationships between the hospital staff, the laboring woman's partner, and any others present. Often times the partner will become more involved with a Doula present.

4. Myth: A Doula will take away "the best part of a nurse's job."
Truth: A laboring woman can never have too much support. A Doula strives to work as a team with the nursing staff and welcomes any suggestions and physical support that the nurse may provide.

5. Myth: A Doula has a negative opinion about a hospital setting.
Truth: A Doula has the utmost respect for the lifesaving technology available for unexpected circumstances in a hospital.

6. Myth: Doulas are not necessary because the nurse (partner, family member, friend, fill in the blank) is there.
Truth: A Doula does not have to perform clinical skills and therefore can offer the uninterrupted support that nurses are not always able to provide. A Doula is not emotionally involved with the laboring woman as are other family members and close friends so the Doula knows what to expect and doesn't panic when she sees the laboring woman in pain.

7. Myth: A Doula will leave if the mother gets an epidural.
Truth: There seems to be an urban legend of sorts about the Doula who left as soon as the mom got an epidural. This is not usual. A Doula is there to support the laboring woman with any decisions she makes. She still needs continuous support even with an epidural. The Doula can give dad/partner a break to go get something to eat or to take a nap if it's been a particularly long labor. She can take pictures, get ice-chips, do hand massage or just sit quietly while the woman rests.

8. Myth: Doulas secretly want to catch the baby.
Truth: A Doula does not have the clinical skills or the knowledge to want to receive the baby on her own. Trying to deliver the baby on her own is a foolish notion.

9. Myth: Doulas only attend home births.
Truth: Doulas attend births at home, at the hospital, and at birth centers. She will labor at home with the woman until it is time to go to the hospital/birth center (where applicable)

10. Myth: A Doula carries a strange variety of items in her "Bag Of Tricks."
Truth: A Doula never reveals her secrets.