A doula won't let a laboring woman take any pain relief drugs. A Doula is there to help support a laboring woman so the woman has a safe and satisfying childbirth as the woman defines it. A Doula will interfere with medical advice. A doula will not interfere with medical advice. She facilitates communications between all involved and encourages her client to ask relevant questions so she can make informed choices.
Doulas do no make decisions for their clients.
A Doula is there to facilitate and enhance the relationships between the hospital staff, the laboring woman's partner, and any others present. Often times the partner will become more involved with a Doula present. A doula strives to work as a team with the nursing staff and welcomes any suggestions and physical support the nurse may provide. A Doula has a negative opinion about a hospital setting. A doula has the utmost respect for the lifesaving technology available for unexpected circumstances in a hospital.