Ask a doula: Why would I hire a "stranger" to be with me in the delivery room?

“'I just don’t think I would want a stranger in the room with me while I’m in labor.'

I have heard this, or similar sentiments expressed on a number of occasions after sharing with someone that I am a Labor Doula.  Let me tell you something:  I could not agree with you more!

Labor is the most thrilling, joyous, terrifying, intimate, amazing, exhausting and life-altering experience that many of us have ever, or will ever experience.  It is a time when a woman needs to feel safe, secure, cared for, and empowered.  She and her child are on a journey thatthey alone are experiencing firsthand.  No one else has experienced her contractions, her determination or herlove for that child.

So, let’s think about who is present in a normal vaginal hospital delivery (According to the latest CDC study only 1% of American women deliver at home, so this will represent most women)."