The 4 Misconceptions of Doulas

When a myth becomes a legend, it becomes increasingly difficult to change perceptions. Many new parents think they know what the role of a doula is, but many others have plenty of misconceptions. The work of doulas has a rightful place in history, but in modern society, it is still often a misunderstood profession. Debunking these common misconceptions is the first step in opening a dialogue about how a labour or postpartum doula can benefit new families throughout the childbearing year and beyond.

The Bodyguard

Your doula is not Kevin Costner. While it may be cool to dress up in a black suit waiting to dive in to save you; a doula is not your birth bodyguard.  They are not your decision maker or your patient advocate.  As much as a doula wants what you desire for your birth experience, they cannot, under any circumstances, interfere with your healthcare provider's decisions to ensure your or your baby’s health and safety. A doula may be able to slow the pace of the room down for you and facilitate an opportunity for you to ask questions about your care, but a doula does not protect you from your choices.  A professional doula will help you navigate your circumstances, but cannot prevent or guarantee an outcome.

The Fairy Godmother

A doula is not magical. They cannot appear and grant you your heart’s desire with a wave of an imaginary wand. There are no pumpkin rides or glass slippers. What a doula can do is help you identify your goals, your preferences, and your options; whether that’s in the delivery room or at home after the baby is born. A doula can leave you feeling validated and can normalize your feelings, but she cannot miraculously make your birth go faster or make your newborn sleep through the night. She helps you find your comfort zone, your balance, and your self-empowerment to succeed. However, a professional doula does consistently show up when you need her, and that feeling of being seen, heard, and respected, can be priceless to a family in transition.

Doula Loree is performing double hip squeezes for labour comfort and progress.

The Hippie

Have you met most doulas? No patchouli. No Birkenstocks. No burning incense, beating drums, or whale songs. A doula isn’t all about non-medicated childbirth and organic parenting; rather a doula is about helping you discover what's best for you and your family. So if you want an epidural, need a cesarean, prefer to formula feed or don’t want to co-sleep…guess what? Your choices are the highest priority, and you call the shots!  A professional doula will fully support your preferences without judgment, hidden agendas, or a guilt trip. Essential oils are optional, though.

The Baby-Catcher

No. Just no. Doulas are not educated, qualified, or licensed to deliver your baby. It’s that simple. No cervical exams, no fetal assessment, no blood pressure checks. No tracking growth charts, baby well visits, or diagnosing conditions. Just informational, physical, and emotional support. A doula is a guide, a support network, and a resource, but not a medical caregiver. So don’t ask a professional doula to be an obstetrician, a family physician, a pediatrician, a nurse, or a midwife. They’re not. A doula has absolutely nothing to do with the practice of medicine. A doula has absolutely everything to do with the power of connection.

There are many more doula misconceptions, but if you believe any of them, you’re not alone. As the profession of doula work expands, the hope is these myths and misconceptions will fade. Would you consider using a labour or postpartum doula now that you’ve had some clarification on their role?