This is a question that comes up a lot for people who are experiencing their first pregnancy or who've previously given birth without a doula. Many wonder if they really need a doula when they're already under the care of a midwife. Sometimes parents aren't sure of the distinction between the two roles, or they mistakenly think that one can be a substitute for the other.
Basically, it comes down to this...midwives and doulas make a great team. Can you have a great birth without a doula present? Of course you can. And, many people do. But, that doesn't mean there aren't many benefits to adding another skilled, educated, compassionate member to your birth team. Remember, your doula provides non-stop, emotional and physical support for *only* you and your partner during your birth. For those seeking an unmedicated birth, that constant support is a huge benefit. For many others who are working through complicated issues (past birth trauma, previous miscarriage or loss, fertility struggles, health care providers who are not supportive of their wishes, high-risk complications) the presence of a doula can be critical to an empowering birth experience.
This article offers some great points on why having both a midwife and a doula as members of your team can help your birth be an empowering, beautiful experience.
http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/1039849/do-i-need-a-doula-and-a-midwife
If you're still not sure, try the following....
#1- Ask your midwife if they think a doula is beneficial to someone in labor. Most midwives are very happy to have a supportive, skilled doula in the room. The more support for their clients, the better!
#2- Ask someone who had both a doula and a midwife at their birth how they felt about their experience. We promise you'll be hard-pressed to find a person who had a doula and felt like they didn't benefit from her skills and presence.
Take care,
Kate
Basically, it comes down to this...midwives and doulas make a great team. Can you have a great birth without a doula present? Of course you can. And, many people do. But, that doesn't mean there aren't many benefits to adding another skilled, educated, compassionate member to your birth team. Remember, your doula provides non-stop, emotional and physical support for *only* you and your partner during your birth. For those seeking an unmedicated birth, that constant support is a huge benefit. For many others who are working through complicated issues (past birth trauma, previous miscarriage or loss, fertility struggles, health care providers who are not supportive of their wishes, high-risk complications) the presence of a doula can be critical to an empowering birth experience.
This article offers some great points on why having both a midwife and a doula as members of your team can help your birth be an empowering, beautiful experience.
http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/1039849/do-i-need-a-doula-and-a-midwife
If you're still not sure, try the following....
#1- Ask your midwife if they think a doula is beneficial to someone in labor. Most midwives are very happy to have a supportive, skilled doula in the room. The more support for their clients, the better!
#2- Ask someone who had both a doula and a midwife at their birth how they felt about their experience. We promise you'll be hard-pressed to find a person who had a doula and felt like they didn't benefit from her skills and presence.
Take care,
Kate
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