I ultimately believe in a woman's right to choice. Many laboring mothers
experience a feeling of loss of control during labor and delivery. A doula works to counteract those feelings.
I believe that no matter how a birth proceeds, that as long as the mother feels in control of the situation, has weighed the
benefits against the risks, and that she has all the necessary information to make an informed decision, that she will come
away from a birth knowing that she made the best possible choice in any given situation.
I believe it is my right to educate woman prior to labor on the
policies and practices of their hospital. It is my duty to disclose everything that I know regarding natural versus
medicated birth, pointing out both the benefits and risks to all birthing options.
I believe it is a mother's choice to use medication in labor.
I am not opposed to medication, as I believe every option provides both benefits and risks, and may be more appropriate than
the alternative in a given situation.
It is my duty to stand beside the mother and back her up on any
and all decisions she makes. I will never criticize or demean her for making any birth decisions. The mother has
the ultimate say in any and all decisions made and I respect and understand those decisions.
I believe it is every woman's right and personal decision to choose
to breastfeed or not. It is my duty to educate as to the alternatives, benefits, and possible outcomes of breastfeeding.
It is also my duty to understand the wants, needs, and desires of the mother or family.
My
duty as a doula is to educate, support, and provide peace of mind and a calming atmosphere to all of my clients.
