MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS

One of the difficult areas for doulas is understanding, managing, advocating the decisions involved in medical interventions.

UNDERSTANDING:  first – is this decision/request coming from the woman – and WHY?  Second – is this decision being made by a midwife/doctor – and WHY?

MANAGING:  first – knowing what techniques to use if this is a request/demand from the woman.  Second – knowing what and how to ask questions of doctor/midwife

ADVOCATING:  first – weighing up the needs of Mum/baby (the advantage of being a doula is you should know what she wants, well before labour).  Second – weighing up the pros/cons of intervention suggested by doctor/midwife and how to advocate on her behalf, with respect and dignity.