Dr. Marjorie Greenfield
Specializing in pregnancy and birth.
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 Ask Dr. Greenfield
The Pros and Cons of Doulas | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Greenfield,
I am thinking about getting a doula. What are the pros and cons? When I mentioned it to my OB/GYN she wrinkled her nose. My sister used a doula and had a wondeful experience, and I am intrigued. Thank you.
— First -Time Mom in Washington, D.C. | | | ANSWER |
October 27, 2000 | | | Dear First-Time Mom,
I have to preface this by saying that I am a doula fan. That said, there are still pros and cons regarding these childbirth assistants.
Cons: Some practitioners (like your OB) have had negative experiences with doulas. Many doulas are strongly (some might even say militantly) supportive of natural, unmedicated childbirth, and may be viewed by the hospital staff as preventing the woman from getting "her" epidural. In these cases, doctors and nurses may see a doula as working against what they consider the best interests of their patients, or they might resent her interference with normal hospital practices.
Pros: The doula can be your advocate in the hospital--she's there to make sure that your wishes are carried out if at all possible. She knows comfort measures for labor and can help alleviate the pain without resorting to medication if that's the type of birth you've chosen. The doula also supports your partner, and keeps him involved in the process.
For more information on doulas, see our articles on practioners involved with childbirth and "Dads and Doulas."— by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. |
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