Common Myths About Doulas: Gently Debunked
Myth 1: Doulas Replace Your Doctor or Midwife
The truth: Doulas do not provide medical care. They never make decisions for you or perform clinical tasks. Instead, they work alongside your care team, offering emotional support, comfort measures, and guidance so you feel more confident and empowered during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Myth 2: Doulas Are Only for “Natural Births”
The truth: Doulas support all types of births including hospital, home, cesarean, medicated, or unmedicated. Their goal isn’t to push a specific birth plan, but to honor your choices and help you feel supported no matter how your birth unfolds.
Myth 3: Only First-Time Parents Need a Doula
The truth: Whether it’s your first baby or your third, a doula can provide support, guidance, and reassurance. Every pregnancy and birth is unique, and having someone dedicated to your emotional and physical well-being can make a meaningful difference each and every time.
Myth 4: Doulas Are Only for Birth
The truth: Many doulas offer full-spectrum or postpartum care. This means their support can extend into the weeks after birth, helping with newborn care, breastfeeding guidance, emotional check-ins, and easing the transition into parenthood. Building a trusting relationship helps ensure that parents can ask the questions they need to ask (wtihout judgement) and supports increased confidence in abilities over time.
Myth 5: Hiring a Doula Is Only for People Who Can Afford It
The truth: Doula care can be flexible. Many doulas offer sliding scales, packages, or partial support options. Some insurance plans now provide benefits, including MassHealth. Investing in support is about choosing care that helps you feel seen, heard, and held during a transformative time.
Doulas are here to make your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey feel more supported, confident, and calm. They aren’t there to replace anyone or tell you what to do — they’re there to listen and offer care exactly where it’s needed. If you’ve ever wondered what working with a doula might feel like, or if you have questions about what they do, I’d love to help you explore how doula support can be a gentle, grounding presence for you and your family.