Doula's at City Hospital | ExpatWoman.com
 

Doula's at City Hospital

5
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 15:19

I am so annoyed... I have just found out that City is apparently not allowing Doula's which is just ridiculous. Apparently 1 doula did something wrong and rather than just ban her they are banning them all!!!! What happened to women having the choice of who they have as a birthing partner. It is hard enough not having your family here as an expat without then being allowed to have another person with you of choice to help you birth naturally. I was going to City and to a doctor who I have heard such great things about but have just changed my mind and going to American where I can have my chosen doula with me and my husband. I know 4 other ladies who have just done same. They are losing patients and wrestling with the basic rights of every woman to choose who they have with them during labour and birth. Rather than ban them all why not put some type of paperwork in place that is signed by the doula on coming to a birth and labour to be sure she/he understands the boundaries which 99% do already. I am only 13 weeks so hoping that they make change this rule soon and I can go to the Dr I want. Anyone else heard as to whether they are doing anything about changing this?????? Sorry for the rant just hoping they may do something about it.

2
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 20:05
To the OP there are lots of great doulas here and I am sure you will have a wonderful birth despite the negativity that some people feel towards doulas if you believe it is a good addition to your birth then that is all that matters. I am so very glad i had a doula (which was you!) at my birth. I really dont think i would have made into hospital and got through the birth if it wasnt for your emotional support and your guidance. Your bedside manner alongside the midwives support @ City Hospital was excellent and also having built a relationship with you outside of the hospital made me feel a whole lot better and lifted my spirits. I definitely agree that having a doula here in dubai especially when its the unknown is really helpful and a godsend!
253
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 22:05
To the OP there are lots of great doulas here and I am sure you will have a wonderful birth despite the negativity that some people feel towards doulas if you believe it is a good addition to your birth then that is all that matters.
169
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 17:22
have doula'ed at Medcare and some of the others have had doula babies there recently, so thats not right ***I heard from a friend working in Medcare that doulas are also banned there*** <em>edited by Delighted on 08/05/2012</em>
169
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 17:20
I don't know what happened but all I want to say is I'm so glad I met my doula. She is a godsend! She's moved to abu dhabi now. any mom's in auh, do give her a shout. I love you too honey bun, i may just have to move back to dxb in time for you to have your next one.
78
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 17:20
Well, that's a real shame that doulas don't seem to be welcome in some Dubai hospitals. I agree with the OP that women should have choices over their births. I think part of the problem is that some doctors and hospitals here are out-dated and about 20 years behind who see pregnancy and childbirth as an illness that they must control and end up 'over-medicalising' it. They seem to lose sight of the fact that it should be a natural process assisted by professionals rather than dictated by draconian rules of do's and don'ts.
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 16:40
I don't know what happened but all I want to say is I'm so glad I met my doula. She is a godsend! She's moved to abu dhabi now. any mom's in auh, do give her a shout.
78
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 16:25
I think it's a shame the City Hospital has banned all doulas. Seems slightly draconian to ban all doulas just because one doula apparently did something outside her remit. I had a doula with my first birth at the Medcare and thank goodness I did, that's all I can say!
253
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 15:46
I also heard the same story regarding the doula.. I was a little disappointed when i 1st heard this news as i will be delivering at city hospital and hoped to have a doula as its my 1st pregnancy and there is a chance DH will be away. However after thinking about it for a few weeks i am happy with the decision made by city hospital as i have gone through the careful process of selecting my ob/gyn for a reason and you should have built up a good relationship with that Dr before delivery. They do not need a untrained medical professional getting in the way at such a vital time. As with any 'story' if you weren't there it is hard to know exactly what happened. As a doula here myself I have been working close with City Hospital to try to overcome this issue but it will take time. However I would just like to say that a Doula's role is to work with not against your chosen medical professional and although we aren't medically trained lots of us are trained as Doula's and can provide certificates, references etc.. The role of a Doula is to offer emotional support and assistance and absolutely no medical advice or intervention. There are lots of great midwives and Dr's here to work really well with us and enjoy having us at births. To have or not to have a Doula is a personal decision, if you are considering appointing a Doula interview a couple and see what you think. There is no comittment and no financial obligation in having a coffee and a chat.
477
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 08:16
I was looking to get a doula with my first as my mom wouldnt be able to make it and my husband and I were kinda clueless but the nursing staff at city is so awesome, I never once felt lost or confused or not listened to. Not that the doulas don't do a great job, but city was the best option for me so I couldn't switch. Couldnt agree more. The nursing staff at City are fantastic and i felt so at ease. All my questions were answered, i was never treated like 'a first time mother' and they knew when to up the humour too!
230
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 06:48
I was looking to get a doula with my first as my mom wouldnt be able to make it and my husband and I were kinda clueless but the nursing staff at city is so awesome, I never once felt lost or confused or not listened to. Not that the doulas don't do a great job, but city was the best option for me so I couldn't switch.
146
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 21:29
I also heard the same story regarding the doula.. I was a little disappointed when i 1st heard this news as i will be delivering at city hospital and hoped to have a doula as its my 1st pregnancy and there is a chance DH will be away. However after thinking about it for a few weeks i am happy with the decision made by city hospital as i have gone through the careful process of selecting my ob/gyn for a reason and you should have built up a good relationship with that Dr before delivery. They do not need a untrained medical professional getting in the way at such a vital time.
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 19:59
Hi interiors, whilst I can't vouch for sure for the reasoning behind city banning doulas, I did hear that the doula in question was doubting the obgyn's assessment of the patients dilation and proceeded to carry out an internal on the mummy-to-be herself which I understand to be totally beyond a doula's remit. Can completely appreciate a hospital not wanting to find themselves in a situation where their highly qualified medic was being challenged in what can be a life threatening situation for mummy and baby, and hence taking the decision to prevent themselves being in the same position again. Also from a personal perspective, I wouldn't want to be caught in that situation if I was mid-giving birth! As I say, I can't say for sure this is what happened, just what I heard on the grapevine....
 
 

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY