The Role of a Doula

Ask a doula what her role is and chances are you will get a vague non-answer. Something like, "I don't provide any medical care or advice. Beyond that, you define my role in your labor and birth."

This isn't an attempt to be evasive and not answer your question. Giving a general answer to "what kind of support do you provide" is difficult. There is no one "scope of practice" all doulas follow. Each training and certifying organization has a somewhat different definition of what is expected of a doula.

CODE OF ETHICS

As defined by Alyssa Eldridge

The doula’s primary responsibility is to her clients. The doula has no predetermined agenda regarding the process or outcome of her client’s labor other than the goals clearly set forth and discussed by her clients.
The doula will make every effort to foster maximum self-determination on the part of her client. The doula will under no circumstances make decisions for clients.
The doula will make every possible effort to provide uninterrupted labor attendance for every woman she agrees to serve.
The doula will treat clients, colleagues, and health professionals with respect and courtesy.
The doula will hold in confidence all client information obtained in the course of professional service.
The doula will provide skilled emotional, physical, and informational support. The doula will not provide clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any kind

For a more in-depth description read the Childbirth International's Code of Practice.

Now, where do I stand? What will you get if you have me as your doula?

I’m not here to confirm what you believe to be true. My role is not to "agree with everything you say." In fact, I don’t have to agree with anything you do. I’m here to support you, above all else.

The other bit, the role I love most, is the role of teacher. I’m here to open the doors to an entire world about birth that our culture does not admit exists.

I’m here to present the choices available to you, and the options you don’t get to choose because doctors and hospitals forbid you from making your own decisions. I’m here to shock you, startle you, and show you a path you are terrified of going down. I’m here to shine a light down that path so you can see that it is not scary, it’s just new.

New information is not something to be afraid of. It’s to be embraced and loved and given a home in your thoughts. New is beautiful. You’re about to bring a new person into the world and you welcome them. Welcome the facts, even if this information conflicts with your beliefs.

Especially, if it conflicts with your beliefs.

Don’t run from the choices you are afraid to make, don’t let fear control you. Don’t ignore what makes you uncomfortable. Be an adult. Learn. Grow. There is nothing wrong with changing and adapting to new information.

I’m drawn to doula work because I don’t have to have an opinion to do my job well. I’m not opinionated, but I love facts. Be prepared for me to hurl information in your direction. I’ll let you feel the overwhelming force of reality before I take a step back and help you wade through it all. If you want to ignore what I present to you, that’s fine. But know that everything I show you comes from not being superior, but being more knowledgeable.

I'm not here to convince you to make any particular decision. I want to make sure you have the tools and information you need to navigate a very emotional and often distressing time. I'm here to help you help yourself.