5 Facts: Debunking Common Myths about Doulas

With so much information to absorb during pregnancy and so many new expenses it can be difficult to know what to prioritize. While the evidence in favor of doulas is undeniable, many people still hesitate to seek out this support. Here are five of the most commonly heard reasons or “myths” about birth doulas.

Myth #1: Doulas are only for people seeking “natural” or unmedicated childbirth

While doulas tend to work outside of the traditional medical system, the majority of doula care takes place where the majority of birth takes place - inside of hospital rooms. While individual doulas may have biases or preferences, most will happily support you through whatever type of birth you desire regardless of what that looks like. This includes walking you through options for pain relief such as an epidural, IV medication, and nitrous oxide. In general, it’s a good idea to look for a doula who is open-minded and has experienced a wide variety of births so that they can help you navigate the choices available and adjust your plan in real time, if needed.

Myth #2: I don’t need a doula because I have support from a partner/spouse/friend

Your partner and/or support person is an incredibly important and valuable resource. Birth support is truly a team effort. It’s not reasonable to expect one person to provide all of the physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and advocacy support that you’ll need over the course of several hours (or days!). It also helps to have someone in the room who understands fetal positioning and can recommend movement or body positions to help make space for your baby to move through your pelvis most efficiently. Nurses can help, but they are often overseeing multiple patients and other priorities that prevent them from playing this role. The evidence shows that continuous support of any kind is helpful, but that support from a professionally trained doula is what leads to better outcomes for both mom and baby.

Myth #3: Having a doula present will ruin the intimacy of this experience with my partner

Your birth is a transformative experience for both you and your partner. One of your doula’s many jobs is to make sure that your partner is set up for success when it comes to providing the kind of support that you need. This will help create a deeper connection between the two of you in the birth room. Another job of your doula is to pay attention to your cues, read the room for signs that privacy is needed, and create space for intimacy by asking a partner to step in or taking a well-timed break. Partners have their own set of needs and it’s important to include them in your doula search to make sure everyone feels comfortable.

Myth #4: I’m having a c-section, so a doula isn’t relevant

It is very possible to have an empowered and connected experience giving birth in an operating room. A gentle cesarean is a surgical birth that borrows important aspects of a vaginal birth such as delayed cord clamping, immediate skin-to-skin contact, and bonding for a full “golden” hour after delivery. Unfortunately, these practices are not standard of care and influencing a team of OBs, nurses, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, and hospital administrators to respect your wishes requires a lot of planning, prep, and real-time advocacy. Doulas play a huge role in helping you navigate the system and ensuring that your voice is heard.

Myth #5: I can’t afford to hire a doula

It’s true that doulas can be a significant out-of-pocket expense, but it’s possible to find care within any budget. It’s always a good idea to double check your employer benefits for reimbursement programs such as Carrot or Pacify. You may also qualify for coverage through your health insurance. Planning a baby shower? This is a great opportunity to ask for the support you really need by including a doula fund on your registry or using BeHerVillage as an alternative to a traditional registry. Lastly, consider hiring a “junior doula” at a reduced rate or searching for volunteer doula programs that serve your community.

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Gina Valo, founder and CEO of BirthingKind and a Certified Labor Doula

Gina Valo is the founder and CEO of BirthingKind and a Certified Labor Doula. She is passionate about improving birth outcomes and experiences while respecting the goals and preferences of her clients. She places a strong emphasis on evidence-based care, informed consent, and advocacy in the birth room.

Gina is certified as a doula through Childbirth International and regularly attends professional training through Evidence Based Birth, Intentional Birth, and Spinning Babies®.

Gina also works as a healthcare data consultant to multiple public-private partnerships and previously served as a White House Presidential Innovation Fellow at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. She holds a Master of Management in Clinical Informatics from the Duke University School of Medicine and a B.A. in Organizational Studies from the University of Michigan.

Interested in working with Gina for an upcoming birth? Connect with her here and schedule a free 30-min consultation.