Dr/nurse and Doula conflict?

jesscardona · 05-15-2006, 05:23 PM

Okay... I've read a lot about doctors and nurses not caring for doulas as in not liking to have doulas around...

And I'm wondering how true is this and what has your experience been?

capandcradle · 05-15-2006, 05:33 PM

Jessica, I'm not sure what you're referring to... while I can't read anyone's mind I can relate behavior and conversations. One hospital here bans doulas, or iow makes it impossible for a woman who calls herself a "doula" to openly accompany her client. The rationale is that doulas "interfere w/ patient care," the reality is that women want to pursue normal birth and hire a doula.

I think it is impossible to quantify across the board. Doulas are probably accepted more in WA or OR than they are in Alabama. My experience has been that some providers are great, others tolerant, others hostile. Then again, I've never seen normal birth as defined by Lamaze/Cochrane/WHO in a hospital in Alabama.

DL · 05-15-2006, 10:30 PM

I think it greatly depends on the birth climate in your area. For me (I'm in Central Ohio), I have had very good experiences. Only once have I gotten a nurse who I could tell didn't like the fact that I was there. She never said anything 'negative' to me, but I could definitely feel the tension, kwim?

ALL other births and hospitals, I have had very good experiences. Just this past Saturday, I attended a birth at a hospital that I've never been to before. Although very medicalized, the staff was terrific towards me! Every one of them told me that I was the first doula that they had ever worked with, and it was clear that they found it very intriguing. Several of the nurses even said to me, "What you do is very neat. I don't want to infringe on what you do with your clients and any birth plans. Would it be ok if I____?" Of course, I then directed the question to my client, but...Is that cool, or what?

It was wild.... Oh....and the OB (who also had never worked with a doula invited me into the OR and invited me to stay after dad left with the baby so that I could continue support for my client and also watch the repairs). Now, the Cesarean thing is NOT the norm with doulas around here (I've been trying IN-VAIN to get permission to accompany clients in the OR for a long time at other hospitals), but these are just examples that it can really depend on what things are like in YOUR local area.

I hope your area is doula-friendly, and NOT like Anne's area!

How very frustrating that must be for her!

nocomparta · 05-16-2006, 07:43 AM

Not to be disagreeable, but I live in Alabama, and while it's not Birmingham, there are other cities in Alabama not influenced by the proprietary and territorial garbage that goes on up there. I have had LOTS of births here and just over the 'Hooch in Columbus, and I have *never* had trouble with a doctor or nurse not wanting me there. Granted, when I was in Tennesse during my training years, I had to explain FAR less who I am and what I do, I have had very positive experiences here in East Central Alabama. I don't know if I've just been "lucky", but far more often than not, I meet care providers who want the same thing that me and Mom do, a happy healthy delivery and an empowered Mom who makes her own decisions. I feel really sad that some hospitals and caregivers take potshots at doulas, because in my opinion, it shows a low opinion of their patients, and women in general.

~Tranquility~Doula · 05-16-2006, 09:38 AM

So far I haven't had any problems being at the hospital with a mom. Although, like Lori, once I have felt that the nurse didn't care for me to be there. She didn't do or say anything though. I just got a vibe from her.

capandcradle · 05-17-2006, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoulaVal

Not to be disagreeable, but I live in Alabama, and while it's not Birmingham, there are other cities in Alabama not influenced by the proprietary and territorial garbage that goes on up there. I feel really sad that some hospitals and caregivers take potshots at doulas, because in my opinion, it shows a low opinion of their patients, and women in general.

Thank God! It seems to N-Alabama & Birmingham hospitals are so backwards. I didn't think you were being disagreeable, Val, I'm thrilled it's not like it is here all over. I understand in Dothan and in the south it's much better. Do you ever come this way?

I agree with you about some but by no means all, having low regard for their patients and women in general.