Westside Doula

Hospital Birth

The doula's role in a hospital birth, begins at home.  We will come to your house during early labor and help you through this stage and well into active labor. 

What is the difference between the role of a nurse and a doula?

The nurse is responsible for:

• Checking your vitals;
• Assisting the doctor in procedures;
• Answering medical/procedural questions that you might have;
• Attaching the IV;
• Attaching and monitoring the fetal monitor;
• Checking dilation/vaginal exams;
• Filling out paperwork (now on the computer), and making sure that your needs are communicated to his/her replacement during a shift change;
• Supporting laboring mom;
• Caring for other laboring women (number depends on the hospital and time of day/night).

Your doula is responsible for:

• Laboring with you at home;
• Assisting you in your transition to the hospital;
• Encouraging healthy communication between you and your doctor/nurse;
• Offering emotional and logistical support to you and your partner;
• Offering suggestions as to how your partner can support you during labor;
• Reminding you of what you and your partner wanted and put in your birth plan;
• Supporting laboring mom and partner;
• Offering emotional and logistical support should baby or mom need medical attention after birth;
• Supporting the decisions you make while in the hospital.