If you can believe it, there is actually a written policy at one Northern Virginia hospital that outright bans the use of doulas by its patients. While we regret that we aren’t able to serve clients at that facility (yet), we don’t write the center’s staff off as ludicrous and irrational. Here’s why: they’re medical professionals with a job to do. Most obstetricians, nurses, and anesthesiologists don’t enter their fields because it’s “something to do.” They’re passionate about their work. They study, train, and devote themselves to learning and becoming these medical professionals. It’s no wonder this hospital doesn’t want their patients’ safety being jeopardized by nonmedical professional’s opinions and confusion of roles.
As doulas, we recognize the critical role of medical care providers in the care for many expecting women and their babies.
Women choose their providers and facilities for a plethora of different reasons, and whatever those may be, we support them. We understand that a woman may feel safest at a hospital that has a high-level NICU. We know that a woman may feel safest with a provider who has certain training or experience or even bedside manner.
And that’s just it – we value it, too, because you do.
Everyone on your birth team has a different role to play. Your OB or midwife is first and foremost responsible for you and your baby’s health and safety. Your nurse, among other things, is responsible for providing clinical care. Both are of great value and can’t be replaced by a doula.
We, the doulas, are responsible for providing emotional and physical support and complement the other roles. We provide continuous care that busy doctors and nurses can’t. We’re there to meet you where you are emotionally and walk that path with you all while providing comfort and confidence.
Everyone on your team has skills and knowledge and heart and, when combined, can provide the highest level of safety and satisfaction in your birth experience.
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We’re celebrating World Doula Week with a blog a day!
Day One: The Doulas of Northern Virginia Difference
Day Two: Yup, Postpartum Doulas Do That
Day Three: “You don’t look like a doula!”
For more great #WorldDoulaWeek blogs from doulas across the country, visit http://louisvilleareadoulas.com/blog/2016-world-doula-week