The Doula Dilemma

To doula or not to doula…that is the question.

I have been inundated recently with email from doula’s who are, for the most part, up in arms about the McMoyler Method stance on labor doulas. For those that don’t know, a “doula” is someone hired by expectant parents to accompany them to the hospital to provide emotional support.

For the record, I have worked with many doulas in labor an delivery and think that there are some very good ones; there are also those that have stepped over the line, to the point of actually interfering with the health care team whose legal responsibility it is to insure the health and safety of their patients…this is going to far, and is unfortunate.

McMoyler Method advocates partner support in combination with the care from the health care tem in the hospital. Some may want to bring a dear friend or family member for additional support, otherwise, I recommend saving the investment on doula support for post-partum, when you really need the extra help at home. (For those that continue wanting to hire a doula for labor support, I suggest asking the OB/Midwife for name of people they recommend.)

Doulas have a passion for birth, and a genuine interest in contributing to the birth process, this I do not doubt. On the other hand, doulas are typically not healthcare professionals, without a license and no credential. So when they start practicing medicine within a hospital setting, it becomes concerning…

Thanks to my book and DVD/Webcast: The Best Birth, my views are now much more public. Based on my experience, I say that a woman in labor, accompanied by a motivated partner, receiving guidance from a team of healthcare professionals, will accomplish their goal of a safe, healthy and satisfying labor and delivery.