We’re All in This Together: A Doula’s Perspective on Labor & Delivery Teams

Hey, friends.

First off, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible work that you, as doctors and nurses, do in labor and delivery. The amount of care, expertise, and compassion it takes to help bring a new life into this world is immeasurable. I see it. I feel it. And I truly respect it.

But let’s talk about something important: the role of the doula.

I know, I know – sometimes we’re misunderstood. There’s this idea that doulas are here to “take over,” to “steal the spotlight,” or to somehow step on your toes. But I want to clear the air once and for all: we’re *not* here to take control, and we’re definitely not here to do your job.

What we’re here for is simple: We’re here to support, not replace.

When a woman enters the labor and delivery room, she is entering one of the most vulnerable, transformative moments of her life. There’s a lot going on, both physically and emotionally. Between the contractions, the fear, the excitement, the pain – there’s just so much happening, and sometimes, it’s hard for a woman to process it all. That’s where we come in.

We’re not here to tell you how to do your job. We’re here to be an extra set of hands, an extra layer of support for the family. We realize that there are so many factors that contribute to bringing pregnancy and labor full circle – physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual – and no one person should ever be expected to handle it all alone.

There’s room for all of us.

We have the same goal: a healthy, safe birth experience for both the mama and the baby. But the path to that goal looks different for each person. What a doula provides is a level of continuous, personalized emotional and physical support that allows you to do what you do best – provide medical care and expertise.

We’re here to support the mama in ways that might be different from what you’re able to do, and vice versa. While you’re monitoring vital signs, guiding through interventions, and providing medical care, we’re there holding space, offering comfort measures like breathing techniques, massage, or just being a calm, grounding presence when the room feels chaotic.

We’re all in this together.

We know there will be moments when things get tense – when decisions need to be made quickly, when emotions run high. But we also know that in those moments, we all need each other. We all need to be on the same page, working as a team for the benefit of the mother and her baby. There’s no room for egos. There’s only room for collaboration and communication.

And to be honest? The magic happens when we all bring our strengths to the table.

As a doula, I know that the medical knowledge and experience you bring are essential to keeping things safe and ensuring a positive birth outcome. But I also know that the emotional and mental support we offer is just as crucial. When the mama feels supported, heard, and cared for on every level – that’s when she can find the strength she needs to get through labor.

It’s a team effort. And when we come together – doctors, nurses, doulas, families – the birth experience becomes something beautiful, not just for the mama, but for everyone involved.

So let’s drop the misconceptions. Let’s set aside the fears that we’re here to take over. Let’s celebrate the fact that there’s space for each of our roles in the delivery room. Because at the end of the day, we all have the same goal: a healthy, safe birth, and a happy, supported mama.

Thank you for the work you do. Thank you for the care you provide. We’re in this together, and we’re better together.

With all my respect and gratitude,

Your Doula

P.S. If you ever need to chat about how we can work more seamlessly together, I’m always open to a conversation. After all, we all want the same thing – the best for the mama and baby. Let’s make it happen!