You’ve been told you should hire a doula, but you’ve probably also heard a lot of ideas about what a doula does that may or may not be true. We’re going to clear up the misconceptions I most commonly hear!

Misconception #1: “Doulas and midwives are basically the same thing.”

Truth #1: This is probably the myth I hear the most often. Midwives are trained medical professionals. Doulas offer non-medical support throughout pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. A doula does not offer medical advice and should not allow their own bias to influence your medical decisions.

Misconception #2: “I’m getting an epidural/having a cesarean so I don’t need a doula.”

Truth #2: Doulas are for EVERY kind of birth. Unmedicated, induction, home birth, cesarean - you name it. I promise you, the support of a qualified doula is just as valuable for birth with an epidural or a cesarean birth as it is for an unmedicated birth.

Misconception #3: “I don’t plan on hiring a doula because I don’t want my partner to feel like they’re being replaced.”

Truth #3: A doula will not take over the role of the other individuals that make up your birth support team. The goal of the doula is to facilitate your partner’s ability to support you effectively - that could also apply to your mom/sister/best friend/or any other support person. This will look a little different for each individual and every birth. For that reason, it should be discussed ahead of time so that everyone is on the same page.

Misconception #4: “A doula will make sure my birth plan is followed.”

Truth #4: A doula cannot guarantee that your provider will adhere to every single one of your birth preferences. Your doula will not act as your voice in the birth room. What a doula will do is help your partner know how to advocate for you and, most importantly, teach you how to use your own voice! The goal is to help you take steps to feel confident in making decisions about your birth and following your intuition and so that you can advocate for yourself.

Misconception #5: “I’m taking a childbirth class/trust my provider so I don’t need a doula.”

Truth #5: I discuss the importance of taking a great childbirth class and working with a provider you fully trust at the first prenatal visit with every client. BUT just because you have those two things on lock that doesn’t mean you don’t need a doula. A doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support throughout the ENTIRE process, including when anything unexpected arises - this is something that cannot be replaced by a childbirth class and is very different from what your care provider will likely do for you.

Let’s hear some others! What are some misconceptions you’ve heard about doulas? Comment below!