Why do I need a doula if I have a nurse?

Moms in Alaska ask me this all the time, and the answer is that nurses and doulas have completely different jobs.

Your labor and delivery nurse is a medical professional who works for the hospital and is assigned to care for you for the duration of your labor. You will meet your nurse when you check in to the hospital. Her job is to care for you medically, to follow directions from your care provider, and assist you as much as she can. But she is also required to chart frequently, and may possibly have more than one patient. The best L&D nurses can also act as doulas, but it is unusual to find one that is truly able to do this.

Your doula is non-medical personal support who works for you. She will support you physically (with massage, comfort techniques, rebozo work), emotionally (affirmations, encouragement, reassurance), and informationally (helping explain birth procedures, reminding you of your options). You are her only focus, and she will not leave your side.

Your doula has met with you before, has spent time with you to know your preferences, your values, and your birth plan. She will meet you for early labor at your home (if you prefer), and will accompany you to the hospital, and remain until your baby is born and you are comfortable and ready for her to leave.

She cannot, however, prescribe any medical treatment and will not offer any medical opinions. Her job is to support your decisions and advocate for you accordingly.

Nurses and doulas work together and make a fantastic team. If you are looking for personalized support from someone you have been able to build a trusting and supportive relationship with, get in touch with me. I'd love to chat about how I can support you. Send me an email through the contact form on my website or email me directly at drawneardoula@gmail.com. Every initial consultation is free!

Christine Rogers is a birth doula and childbirth educator in Alaska, serving Anchorage, Eagle River and the Mat-Su Valley. A mom of four, she works hard to ensure every client she serves has a positive and empowering birth experience. She can be reached online at www.drawneardoula.com, or emailed directly at drawneardoula@gmail.com.

Looking for more birth planning resources? Check out my free Birth Preferences Worksheet and free Guide to Choosing A Care Provider!