What if my client doesn’t want me at the birth?

Sometimes a client is hesitant or does not want a doula at their birth but may be
interested in prenatal and/or postpartum services. The CDP respects the wishes of all clients
and wants to make sure that the doulas in this program are prepared to address this situation
in a way that is mutually respectful for themselves and the client.
There are two key points in addressing a situation like this and we have drafted corresponding
mini-scripts for doulas (see below) to reference when discussing these key points with a
prospective/current client. First, it is the client’s choice whether to have a doula and they are
under no obligation to have a doula at their birth. Secondly, it is critical that the doula works
with the client to develop a solid communication plan for the agreed services in which they will
provide to the client.

General Scripts:
1) As your doula, I want you to have a comfortable and positive birthing experience. It is
your birth experience and you get to decide who is present and when. If you choose not
to have me at your birth but would still like other services such as prenatal and/or
postpartum care, I am happy to discuss what that might look like and what sort of
support would be most beneficial for you.
2) It is important that we have a solid communication plan in place so I can best serve you.
When I plan to attend a client’s birth, I am “on-call” between 38 and 42 weeks – this
means that I cannot go anywhere farther than an hour away from where you plan to
deliver and that I must answer or quickly respond any time that you contact me.
By the end of our last prenatal visit, we will establish the labor and delivery plan, so as
your doula, I can prepare to serve you to the best of my ability. If you decide to have me
at your birth, we will establish a communication plan so I can be in attendance and
support you during labor and delivery. If you decide you would like a doula for prenatal
and/or postpartum services only, I will not be on call for you, but we can schedule all the
prenatal and postpartum visits in advance with some degree of flexibility depending on
when you deliver.