What Doula's Don't Do
Doulas aren’t medically trained, nor are they intended to replace the role of a doctor or midwife. Their sole purpose is to provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support, through pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. A doula doesn’t make decisions for you; they talk through the different choices and options that you have so that you feel like an active participant in the baby’s birth, and not something that has ‘happened’ to you. If you don’t understand your options, you don’t have choices.
“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any” – Alice Walker
Doulas DO NOT replace your partner
Doulas enhance the partner’s support and help them know the best ways to support you. Supporting them to be more relaxed and involved in a calm, loving way, promoting a sense of connection between you both. Knowing your partner is relaxed and confident will help you feel that way too.