I attended a birth yesterday and had a rather shocking and pleasant experience. When my client's doctor came into the room after my arrival, he immediately introduced himself, shook my hand, and told me he was glad I was there. That, in itself, was shocking - I am not usually welcomed by the medical team working with my clients, particularly if the caregiver is a doctor as opposed to a midwife. I continued to be amazed throughout my client's labor. He only came in the room a few times, but every time he told my client that she was doing great, that she had a great team. He was gentle and didn't try to force her into any decision. After the baby was born, he had to stitch up a small tear. He explained to the new father that "in the old days" they used to perform episiotomies, but they realized that it only made the tearing worse and now just let the skin tear if it needs to. Before we parted ways, he asked me for my card so he can refer his interested clients to a doula in the area. I was literally amazed and found myself wondering why doctors have such a hard time accepting doulas into the labor room. Of course, this man was a family doctor, and in my limited experience, I have found a great difference between family doctors and OBs. I won't make any firm judgments because everyone is different, but as someone's doula, I would recommend a family doctor over an OB every time.
The birth itself was incredibly lovely as well. A startling experience all around...
