"I have a doctor; why would I need a doula?"

The roles of doctors and doulas are in different spheres.

Your obstetrician is there to monitor your health and your baby, look for signs of presenting problems or issues, and handle all medical aspects of your care.

When you are in labor, you will typically see your doctor briefly during labor and then when you are pushing out your baby. The doctor is present for a very small percentage of the time you will spend giving birth to your baby.

You will see more of your nurse or nurses (depending on when you are at the hospital, and for how long,, taking shift changes into account). The nurse will come in to check on you, maybe check dilation through a vaginal exam, ask you to rate your pain on a scale of 1-10, take blood pressure, take a lot of notes, and then leave to do it again for however many women are laboring on the same floor as you.

Some nurses are better than others at attending women in labor and giving them help and personalized care. Many have a practical, businesslike approach to caring for laboring women. Some are downright harsh to their patients. Most are too busy.

The hole left between medical visits is what's filled by a doula. Doulas are not medically trained and will not perform vaginal exams to check dilation or blood pressure measurements, but they will remain with you at all times.

Doulas give constant emotional support. They can explain to you what is happening, help you maintain your focus and keep you grounded. They can help with positioning and comfort. They know your intentions and help to communicate them to staff and gently remind you of your goals if needed. They are there to help you have a safe and satisfying birth experience.

This is not the role of the doctor or the nurse. The nurse's priority is the hospital protocol and communicating with the physician. The doctor's priority is the health of the baby and the mother. The doula's concern is your happiness, comfort, and helping you have the birth you want.

No matter what kind of birth you desire, you can benefit from having a doula present. We do not replace the nurse or your partner; we are simply an extra pair of hands and a caring heart to help and encourage you through this amazing rite of passage.