Do Doulas Hate Hospital Staff? And Vice Versa?

The short and resounding answer to this reoccurring question should be "No!", doulas most often do not hate hospital staff, and hospital staff should not be viewed as adversaries to doulas. And, this should be true about clinical staff's attitudes on doula support as well. In fact, when we approach our roles with mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared goal of supporting the client, the entire birth team benefits. While there are historical and systemic factors that have contributed to tensions between the two groups (learn more here), it is essential to approach our roles with mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared goal of supporting the client. The clinical team provides medical expertise to ensure the safety and health of the mother and child, while doulas offer emotional, informational, and physical support to empower the client to make informed decisions.

When both hospital staff and doulas work collaboratively, respecting each other’s roles and knowledge, the entire birth team & birthing person benefits. The client receives the best of both worlds—medical care when needed and additional support when required. It’s when we allow historical and systemic divides to define our relationships that we fail the clients we aim to serve.

By fostering an environment of mutual trust and respect, we can move beyond these divides and work together to ensure the safety, autonomy, and wellbeing of the client.

Here's why:

1. We Should All on the "Same Team"

Doulas and hospital staff ultimately share the same goal: to provide the best possible care for the client. Not all doulas are clinicians (and for those of us who are we are not operating as such within our "doula role"), but we are part of the support system, ensuring that the client feels informed, respected, and empowered throughout their experience. Hospital staff, on the other hand, have the clinical expertise necessary to ensure medical safety and respond to complications.

When we view each other as collaborators rather than adversaries, we can work together in the best interest of the client, fostering trust and mutual respect. This collaboration is what creates a positive birth experience.

2. Doulas Support the Clinical Team's Care

One of the primary roles of a doula is to support the care provided by the clinical team while prioritizing the client’s safety. Our role is to enhance communication between the client and the medical team, not to challenge decisions or create conflict. By offering evidence-based information and empowering clients to understand the medical recommendations they receive, we help create space for informed decision-making—whether they choose to consent or not.

However, this does not mean we should encourage clients to blindly follow policies or practices that don’t align with their values. Part of our responsibility is to empower clients to make the decisions that feel right for them.

As doulas, we provide resources and support, not medical advice. This collaborative approach ensures the client has the information they need to make informed decisions in partnership with their care providers, fostering an environment where their autonomy and wellbeing are respected.

3. Respecting Boundaries and Scope of Practice

A common misunderstanding is that doulas want to take over the role of the medical team. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In the role of a Doula, we don’t perform medical tasks like checking vital signs, administering medication, or interpreting clinical results. These tasks are outside our scope as a doula and are the responsibility of the medical team.

Doulas should understand and respect these boundaries, ensuring that we support the client within the limits of our role. When doulas practice within their scope, it helps maintain a smooth and safe birth experience.

4. Our Role Is to Empower, Not Undermine

Sometimes, it’s feared that doulas will undermine the clinical team’s expertise or decisions. In reality, this is a misunderstanding of our role. Doulas do not challenge or question clinical staff. Instead, we share evidence-based information with the client, help them understand their options, and facilitate conversations with the medical team. Our job is not to interfere with the care being provided but to support the client in making informed choices.

Additionally, the most effective doulas understand that fostering an environment of mutual respect is crucial. This means we won’t make derogatory or judgmental comments about the medical team. By maintaining professionalism and supporting informed consent, doulas contribute to a culture of trust between the client and the clinical team.

5. Safety Concerns and Physical Support

It’s also important to recognize that not all doulas have medical training. This means some safety practices may be outside our realm of expertise. For example, we understand that it’s not safe for us to touch or silence monitors or medical equipment, as doing so could compromise the client’s care or safety. Doulas who attempt to alter equipment or procedures, like silencing epidural pumps, are acting outside their scope and can undermine the client’s autonomy and saferty.

When we stick to our role—offering comfort, reassurance, and emotional support—we contribute to a safer, more positive birth experience.

6. Hospital Staff Are Not Our Adversaries

The idea that hospital staff and doulas are in opposition is a misconception. In reality, we are all working toward the same goal: supporting the client and ensuring they have a safe, informed, and empowering birth experience. When we work together—doulas providing emotional and informational support and hospital staff providing clinical care—we create an environment where the client’s autonomy is respected and their safety is prioritized.

7. Why Doulas Are Valuable Partners

Doulas offer unique support that complements the role of hospital staff. We bring emotional and informational guidance that helps clients feel heard and supported. We are also advocates for informed consent, making sure that clients understand their choices and feel empowered to make decisions about their care.

Hospital staff play a crucial role in providing the medical expertise needed to ensure the health and safety of the client. We aren’t trying to replace their role—we’re here to provide additional layers of support that enhance the overall birth experience.

Conclusion: A Collaborative, Respectful Relationship

In the end, doulas do not hate hospital staff, and hospital staff are not our adversaries. By working together with mutual respect and understanding, we can create a birth experience that prioritizes the client’s safety, autonomy, and emotional well-being. Our roles may be different, but our goal is the same: to provide the best possible care and support for the client. Through collaboration, we can build a positive and empowering birth experience for everyone involved.