10/18/2026
Doula are worth their weight in gold!
There's been a lot of chatter this week and last about whether or not a home birth midwife should utilize doulas at home births.
Many are saying no, the midwife should act as the doula and the midwife and that is how it used to be and that is how it should be. I whole heartedly disagree. Doulas, especially with first time mamas, are worth their weight in gold. In my practice, FTM's have to have a doula. If they cannot afford a doula, I will often cut my fee and help them find one that fits their budget.
Consider the following scenario:
You have a first time mama who is on and off labor for days.....you also have office on one (or more) of those days where you need to see 8 (or more) other clients. Do you cancel office to sit with a mama who may or may not be going into labor? When you cancel office, you then need to rejuggle your whole schedule...oh and then during this time, a multip goes into labor at 1030pm. You attend her and get home around 5a. You try to squeeze in a nap, but the client that delivered last week needs a postpartum visit and she lives over an hour from you. In between all of this, the kids needs you, your husband needs you and the dog needs to get to the vet. OH! And your car needs new tires and a tuneup like months ago and you are just skating by with bald tires.
That first time mama?? Well, she's putzing along, doing all the things you suggest, resting, eating, hydrating, etc, and she is constantly on your mind. I am still in constant contact with her but I cannot sit with her all week ❤
During all this time the doula is also checking on her and reiterating all the things I mentioned above and I thank God that she is part of the team.
The doula will head over to mama when she starts early active labor. I then keep in contact with the doula who is excellent at letting me know when she thinks active labor is starting and I head over at that time.
