People often ask, "Why a doula? Why can't a mom or sister do the same thing? Won't a doula interfere with the partner's experience?"
The answer is this. A laboring woman may be having the birth she desires, but this may not be the birth that someone else desires. Though the intentions of a woman's family may be well in meaning, they are not what's right for the laboring woman. People will feel helpless or anxious when a woman is in the later stages of labor and may become pushy about pain medication, but the mother doesn't always want it. The mother needs someone in her corner that can make sure her wishes are being met, and has the ability to help her navigate through each contraction. The partner is able to utilize the Doula as well. She may be able to provide a period of rest, make sure the partner can take a meal break, and can help him (or her) attend to the mother more effectively. The doula can show a partner how to massage a laboring woman, can coach them both in breathing techniques together, and help a partner with helping the laboring woman in different positions. A doula does not get in the way of the birth experience, she inhances it.