Advocacy. It’s a word that gets thrown around a lot in the birth world, but what does it actually mean? And more importantly—how can a doula advocate for you during labor and birth? Let’s break it down.
Advocacy Isn’t Speaking For You—It’s Amplifying Your Voice
One of the biggest misconceptions about doula advocacy is that we step in and start making demands on your behalf. That’s not how this works! My role as your doula is to support you in using your voice, making informed decisions, and feeling confident in every step of your birth journey.
A doula doesn’t replace your voice; we amplify it. If you’re struggling to feel heard, I’m there to remind you of your birth plan, provide evidence-based information, and ensure you have the space to ask questions and make decisions without pressure or fear.
Helping You Navigate Medical Conversations
Let’s be real—medical jargon can feel like a foreign language. And in the middle of labor, when your focus is on bringing your baby into the world, it can be overwhelming to process everything being said around you.
That’s where I come in. I help break down the information you’re given, so you fully understand your options. If a provider suggests an intervention you weren’t planning on, I can remind you of your original goals, offer alternative perspectives, and help you weigh the risks and benefits—so you can make the best choice for yourself and your baby.
Creating Space for Informed Decision-Making
One of the most powerful ways I advocate for you is by making sure you’re given the time and space to make decisions. No one should feel rushed into something they don’t understand or aren’t comfortable with.
As your doula, I encourage the BRAIN decision-making model:
Benefits: What are the benefits of this option?
Risks: What are the risks involved?
Alternatives: Are there other options?
Instinct: What is your gut telling you?
Nothing: What happens if we do nothing for now?
This simple framework helps you slow things down, process information, and make the decision that feels right for you.
Protecting the Birth Space
Your birth environment plays a huge role in how you feel during labor. Whether you want dim lights, minimal monitoring, or quiet support, I help protect the space so you can labor how you feel most comfortable.
If visitors become overwhelming or medical staff aren’t respecting your wishes, I can gently remind them of your preferences. If you need encouragement, I’m there to ground you and help you reconnect with your strength.
Supporting Your Partner
Advocacy isn’t just about you—it’s also about your birth team. Partners often want to help but don’t always know how. I guide them in ways they can support you, ensuring they feel empowered, too. Together, we create a team that works for you.
Advocacy in Action: Your Birth, Your Way
At the end of the day, advocacy is about making sure you feel heard, respected, and in control of your birth experience. My job is to support, inform, and empower—not to push an agenda or make decisions for you.
Want to learn more about how I advocate for my clients? Let’s chat in person! Come meet me at my “Meet the Doula” event and get your questions answered. Your birth. Your voice. Let’s make sure it’s heard.
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