Medical Transitions Doula

Doulas, non-medical support people, are typically seen in hospitals during a woman's labor and birth. She (most doulas are female) offers information and hands-on assistance during a family's transition into parenthood. Doulas can act as a walking childbirth class, "carrying" the knowledge of comfort measures and the client's birth plan so the father and laboring woman do not have to.

Why then might a doula be hired for a homebirth when the midwife and her assistant are the usual information and support? Homebirths do not have the interventions hospital births do; the doula would not be utilized to help a woman remember what she does and does not want for her labor and birth. However, labor can be enhanced by a doula's presence even in a homebirth setting.

Transitions Doula Benefit

Women having long labors benefit greatly from having an extra pair of hands. Doulas have skills in support areas such as massage, making food for the laboring parents and ensuring mom is drinking plenty of fluids. Midwives appreciate the doula who offers her knowledge and support, yet maintains the stance that they are all on the same side: the mother's. When care is directed towards the birthing family, friction can be avoided. The doula who considers herself a pseudo-midwife has no place in the homebirth setting. Embracing each other's skills and talents brings a harmony and sense of cooperation into the experience.

Transitions Doula

Doulas do not have to take care of the midwife at homebirths. In fact, if the midwife makes requests of the doula that do not have anything to do with the laboring mom, the doula has every right to say a polite, "No, I am attending to my client." It would be inappropriate for a midwife to expect the doula to do her bidding - except in an emergent situation. Even then, the doula has not typically been trained for midwifery or medical situations, but if she feels she can be of assistance to the midwife, then she should help where she can.

The doula who is privileged to attend a homebirth will find the experience different from her hospital births. Even if she is not used to homebirths, she is sure to appreciate the refreshing quality of seeing birth in its most natural state of Transitions Doula.