Whether you're navigating fertility treatments, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, loss, or other reproductive health decisions, you may receive guidance from both your doula and medical professionals. While both offer essential support, they play distinct roles, and this can sometimes result in conflicting advice. This blog focuses on understanding those roles and how to manage situations where a doula’s personal bias might influence the care you receive.
This is the first of two blogs exploring how to navigate advice from both doulas and healthcare professionals. In this blog, we’ll discuss what happens when roles overlap and how to handle moments when a doula may overstep. The second blog will focus on how doulas and healthcare providers can collaborate to provide cohesive support, whether you're trying to conceive, coping with loss, or making other reproductive health decisions.
Defining Roles – Medical Advice vs. Informed Consent
When navigating your journey, whether supported by a doula or not, it’s essential to understand the distinct roles that medical professionals, midwives, and doulas play in supporting your journey. At the heart of many client dilemmas is the confusion between medical advice and informed consent—two concepts that, while connected, serve very different purposes.
Medical Advice:
Provided by licensed healthcare professionals (doctors, midwives, nurses).
Involves diagnosing conditions, prescribing treatments, and recommending interventions.
Based on medical expertise and scientific evidence tailored to your specific health situation.
Examples include managing gestational diabetes or suggesting actions based on fetal monitoring.
The goal is to safeguard the health of both the parent and the baby.
Informed Consent & Doula Support:
Ensures clients are aware of the risks, benefits, and alternatives before making decisions.
Doulas are not healthcare providers; they provide support and relevant information to help clients make informed choices.
Doulas offer emotional and physical support but should not offer medical advice or steer clients toward specific medical choices.
Example: A doula might say, “Here are studies on induction risks and benefits. Let’s discuss your options and what your doctor has recommended.”
Knowing who to turn to for medical advice versus informed support helps you make decisions with clarity and confidence.
How Doulas Overstep
Doulas provide invaluable emotional, physical, and informational support, but there are times when their passion or personal experiences may lead them to overstep their role—especially when crossing into the territory of medical advice. This often happens when a doula’s biases, preferences, or emotional history unintentionally shape their guidance, potentially influencing the client’s decision-making in ways that aren't always aligned with evidence-based care.
Here’s how doulas may unintentionally overstep:
Examples of Overstepping:
Cherry-picking studies to fit their bias: A doula may selectively present information that supports their personal views instead of offering a balanced perspective. This can happen across different reproductive journeys, from fertility treatments to abortion support. For example, a doula might say:
“Here’s a study that shows the risks of certain fertility medications. I’ve seen clients struggle with side effects, so I wouldn’t recommend using them.”
“I’ve read that taking this hormone therapy can lead to miscarriage, so I don’t think it’s worth the risk.”
Influencing decisions based on personal experience: Doulas often draw from their own experiences, but when these experiences shape their guidance too strongly, they may unintentionally steer clients away from valid medical recommendations. For instance:
“A friend of mine went through IVF, and it was emotionally draining. I wouldn’t recommend going that route if I were you.”
“I had a client who experienced complications after their abortion. I think it’s safer to avoid clinics and look for a more holistic approach.”
Undermining the midwife or medical professional: In some cases, doulas may undermine the advice of a fertility specialist, midwife, or doctor, suggesting that their own approach or experience is more trustworthy. This can create confusion or mistrust in the client’s healthcare team. For example:
“I’ve worked with specialists who didn’t explain all the options—you should really push back on what they’re telling you.”
“Your doctor probably won’t tell you this, but I’ve seen better outcomes when clients opt for alternative treatments rather than going the medical route.”
Giving medical directives: Doulas sometimes unintentionally overstep by providing medical-like advice, suggesting or discouraging treatments based on their personal opinions instead of encouraging clients to consult their healthcare provider.
“You don’t need to listen to your specialist about that fertility treatment—it’s not necessary in most cases.”
“I think you’ll be fine skipping that procedure. Let’s try natural methods first.”
The Risk of Overstepping
When doulas overstep in these ways, it can lead to confusion, mistrust, and conflict between the client and their healthcare provider. Clients may feel caught between the doula’s support and the expertise of their medical team, leading to unnecessary stress at a time when clear and balanced guidance is vital.
At its core, the role of a doula is to provide non-biased, evidence-based information to empower clients. When a doula’s personal biases or experiences influence their advice, it risks undermining the trust between the client and their medical team, potentially putting the client’s health at risk. By focusing on unbiased support, doulas can help clients navigate their journeys—whether related to fertility, loss, or other reproductive health decisions—with confidence and balanced care.
A Client’s Guide – Navigating Doula Bias
If you feel that your doula’s personal experiences or biases are influencing their advice, there are practical ways to stay in control of your decisions, ensuring they align with your values and medical advice.
Ask for Evidence-Based Information
“I appreciate your perspective, but could you show me studies or information that present both the benefits and risks?”
Trust Your Instincts and Ask Questions
“I hear your concerns, but I’d like to discuss this further with my doctor to get their perspective.”
Set Boundaries and Communicate Your Preferences
“I understand your experiences shape your views, but I prefer to base my decisions on my healthcare provider’s advice.”
Involve Your Medical Team
“I’ve received different advice from my doula. Can you help me understand the medical reasoning behind your recommendation?”
Stay Empowered – You Are in Control
“I really appreciate your input, but I’d like to make this decision based on a full range of information.”
“I understand that your experiences shape your views, but I’d prefer to gather all perspectives before deciding.”
By seeking balanced information, setting boundaries, and trusting your instincts, you can make empowered decisions that align with your values and medical team’s advice.
How Doulas Can Step Back from Medical Advice
Doulas can offer powerful emotional and informational support without overstepping into medical territory.
Here’s how doulas can maintain their supportive role:
Recognize Role Limits
“That’s a great question for your doctor. I can help you gather information to discuss with them.”
Provide Balanced Information
“Here’s research on this option. Review it with your doctor to see what fits your situation.”
Use Neutral Language
“Different approaches are available. It’s worth discussing with your care provider.”
Encourage Medical Consultation
“Let’s write down your questions and bring them up with your doctor.”
Reflect on Biases
Stay mindful of your own experiences, ensuring your advice remains objective.
Ask yourself: “Am I offering advice based on my experiences or their needs?”
A Harmonious Approach to Client Care
Doulas and medical professionals both play a vital role in supporting clients through their reproductive journeys, whether it's fertility, pregnancy, birth, loss, or postpartum care. By respecting each other’s boundaries and focusing on evidence-based support, doulas and healthcare providers can collaborate to ensure clients feel empowered, confident, and in control of their decisions.
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Have you experienced situations where conflicting advice from a doula and a medical professional caused confusion? What do you think could help improve collaboration between doulas and healthcare providers? I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment or reach out to discuss how I can support you on your journey.
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