Doulas and Epidurals

What’s the deal with doulas and epidurals? Some people are under the impression that doulas are only for women planning a natural childbirth, or that doulas look down on/discourage epidurals. In fact, a professional doula will support her client’s birth choices regardless what they are, and we are skilled at helping women adapt and stay in the driver’s seat as their birth unfolds – it is fairly uncommon for a birth to play out “according to plan”.

With that said, doulas are also trained on the importance of evidence-based information about birth. The fact is that research reveals related risks from epidurals as well as benefits to mom and baby, so a doula may be influenced by her perception of the risks, or she may see challenges within a birth plan. For example, if a woman wants an epidural for pain relief but also wants to avoid using pitocin if at all possible, a doula would let her know that pitocin is often used to keep labour progressing if things should slow down after an epidural is placed. Some care providers always give pitocin with an epidural, but some don’t. This is something the client will need to investigate for herself and come to a decision about where her priorities lie.

For some women, the risks of an epidural are low enough to value the pain relief that they provide. For others, an epidural has been medically recommended based on pre-existing conditions. For others, epidurals are so common that their safety is taken for granted, and they don’t want to hear anything else about it. If you are uninformed or undecided about taking an epidural, your doula could be a resource for information. However, the decision remains yours to make, and should you choose to have an epidural, this will by no means remove the benefit of having doula support at your birth.

Reflecting on your birth plan and doing research before labour begins will be valuable in determining your biggest priorities, but ultimately the choice is yours and yours to change in the moment if needed. Hiring a doula does not mean you should have a particular kind of birth, other than a birth that is respected, supported and celebrated!