Guiding Light Birth Services

Myth: I have a midwife, I don't need a Doula.

Truth: It is strongly encouraged to include a Doula if you are birthing with midwives.  Not only do they often share the same vision for their clients.  Also, a Doula will provide the emotional support and physical comfort that midwives may not be able to provide as they are taking care of the medical side.

Myth: Doulas stand in my way if I request drugs or a medical intervention.

Truth: Most Doulas, including myself support client choice.  I would ask that you use all of my suggestions to the furthest extent.  If you find that they are no longer helpful, then we discuss the risks and benefits of the medical alternatives.

Myth:  Doulas are anti-hospital and anti-doctor.

Truth:  Again most Doulas, including myself  meet clients where they are.  That includes choice of birth place.  I have had many great experiences in many different hospital settings.  I also view Doctors and nurses as colleagues and treat with the same respect as I treat everyone else.

Myth:  A Doula will make my partner feel insecure and insignificant.

Truth:  My role as a Doula is to work cohesively with all the members of the birth team.  I will encourage partners to participate at their comfort level.  I will be happy to teach partners various comfort techniques, so that they have an active role to play.  Partners are there as the focus of love and support.  Doula are there to keep clients encouraged and motivate to acheive the birth they deserve.

Myth:  All Doulas are sandal wearing,"incense burning wiccans" (National Post)

Truth:  I do wear sandals, but often choose crocs or sneakers as footwear for births.  I am a non-crunchy, non-judgemental, non-political Doula. 

Myth:  If I have to have a surgical birth the Doula will leave.

Truth:  I view birth as birth.  If surgical birth is required I will either ask to accompany you and your partner to the O.R..  If that is not possible I will wait in the waiting room.  I will be happy to stay with you in recovery to help establish breastfeeding, allow your partner to inform family, or whatever else you need me to do.

Myth:  Doulas will speak for me to the medical staff at my place of birth.

Truth:  I am a Birth and Family Centered Care advocate, although I will not speak your requests for you.  If you need any medical care, information or if you have a request, I strongly encourage both you and/or your partner to direct them to the medical staff.  Something I do help with, is to get you to consider all the angles before consenting to any intervention and prompt you if you have any questions.

Myth:  Doulas will force me to have my baby at home.

Truth:  Doulas provide non-medical support for families.  It would be irresponsible, illegal and outside DONA's scope of practice to force you to stay home beyond your request to depart for the hospital.  I trust clients to head for the hospital when they are ready.  I also believe to head to the hospital when they can do something for you, so if that is pain management beyond my capabilities or if it is for someone to catch your baby.  I trust that you will know when it is the right time for you.

Myth:  I cannot have a Doula if I choose to bottle-feed my baby.

Truth:  If you choose to bottle-feed, I would like an opportunity to speak with you to discover the reasons why and to offer you support and help strengthen your decision.  Everyone makes the choices that are right for them and their families.

Myth:  I should choose a Doula solely on experience and credentials, rather than comfort and compatibility.

Truth:  I encourage you to choose a Doula that you feel comfort with and connected to.  You need to know that you are inviting me into one of the most intimate moments of your lives.  Therefore, feeling connected to me, trusting me will help you have a more positive birthing experience.

One final note:  Doulas come in all shapes, sizes, ages, lifestyles and philosophies.  But the one thing we all share is the desire to create a positive experience for all women and their families.