YES. Their philosophy on birth and what they deem to be acceptable, normal, common, their views on their role, what they bring to the table, all of these things are imperative in selecting birth witnesses, in whatever capacity they serve.
Dani Lasher, Childbirth Educator
I’ve known many doulas one particular who have struggled with this when it comes to interventions. It can be hard for some of them to serve both in-hospital and out/of-hospital clients. It seems more prevalent in small towns but more or less, some have had issues with client word of mouth. For example, if they attend a number of hospital births or help women who birth medicated then many moms who want the opposite of that assume the doula’s beliefs just don’t jive with their own
Sydney Harvey
Yeah, that’s why it’s important to ask people directly. I know that for me personally, I would probably not hire a doula that mostly attends hospital births. Actually, I know that i really wouldn’t unless I spoke to her and we just really connected. My doula for this birth will attend the hospital but only in the case of end of pregnancy changes/transfers. She doesn’t accept clients that plan a hospital birth, usually. Honestly I don’t want people in my space that aren’t familiar and comfortable with physiological birthing. And if you’re mostly in the hospital, it’s really going to be hard to see birth that way.
Dani Lasher, Childbirth Educator
That totally makes sense to me. Just like home birth midwives are far more adept generally at supporting women in birth without management than hospital midwives even. We are a result of our experiences
Elizabeth Vallejos
Yes! Sydney said it really well. Philosophy on birth, overall health, labor/delivery, etc. are so important! To a degree, I would say religious/spiritual beliefs could play a role, but that’s more a person by person thing. Some people are more sensitive or more open about certain things and that might cause some friction in the relationship, one way or the other, if mother and doula/other provider are on different pages.
Dani Lasher, Childbirth Educator
That is certainly becoming a bigger issue for some birth workers I know (religion). One big topic lately though is inclusivity. Gender terms, etc
Tiffany Mangum
With birth it does but unrelated to that no.
Sarah Jones
I think in regards to a midwife’s philosophy on birth it is extremely important. I think it’s important for a doula to be able to competently support a hospital, birth center, or home birth. I think my most important qualification for a doula would be that regardless of their personal beliefs can they respect MINE and be that vessel to hold space and be supportive for whatever choices may have to be made in the labor and birth space. And provide adequate resources if asked.
Dani Lasher, Childbirth Educator
Agreed. I do see a few too many doulas today that are not as well-equipped as you mention here. It’s doing women a disservice.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
YES. Their philosophy on birth and what they deem to be acceptable, normal, common, their views on their role, what they bring to the table, all of these things are imperative in selecting birth witnesses, in whatever capacity they serve.
I’ve known many doulas one particular who have struggled with this when it comes to interventions. It can be hard for some of them to serve both in-hospital and out/of-hospital clients. It seems more prevalent in small towns but more or less, some have had issues with client word of mouth. For example, if they attend a number of hospital births or help women who birth medicated then many moms who want the opposite of that assume the doula’s beliefs just don’t jive with their own
Yeah, that’s why it’s important to ask people directly. I know that for me personally, I would probably not hire a doula that mostly attends hospital births. Actually, I know that i really wouldn’t unless I spoke to her and we just really connected. My doula for this birth will attend the hospital but only in the case of end of pregnancy changes/transfers. She doesn’t accept clients that plan a hospital birth, usually. Honestly I don’t want people in my space that aren’t familiar and comfortable with physiological birthing. And if you’re mostly in the hospital, it’s really going to be hard to see birth that way.
That totally makes sense to me. Just like home birth midwives are far more adept generally at supporting women in birth without management than hospital midwives even. We are a result of our experiences
Yes! Sydney said it really well. Philosophy on birth, overall health, labor/delivery, etc. are so important! To a degree, I would say religious/spiritual beliefs could play a role, but that’s more a person by person thing. Some people are more sensitive or more open about certain things and that might cause some friction in the relationship, one way or the other, if mother and doula/other provider are on different pages.
That is certainly becoming a bigger issue for some birth workers I know (religion). One big topic lately though is inclusivity. Gender terms, etc
With birth it does but unrelated to that no.
I think in regards to a midwife’s philosophy on birth it is extremely important. I think it’s important for a doula to be able to competently support a hospital, birth center, or home birth. I think my most important qualification for a doula would be that regardless of their personal beliefs can they respect MINE and be that vessel to hold space and be supportive for whatever choices may have to be made in the labor and birth space. And provide adequate resources if asked.
Agreed. I do see a few too many doulas today that are not as well-equipped as you mention here. It’s doing women a disservice.