firing clients

[Pandora]

OK first up this is not meant to be argumentative, its a question I have basedon an experience I've read about. This was in the US, not in Australia BTW.

I would like to know if there are any doula's here who have 'fired' their clients.

I was reading a birth story (not on this site) where the couple indicated that they had been 'fired' by their doula, after she had encouraged them to change to a different birthing location (I htink in this case it was to a birth centre than a hospital) and differing opinions on drugs etc. This was well into the pg, not at the outset.

Would mosts Doulas discuss this sort of thing at the very beginning, and if there was a massive difference in birthing philosophies and you didn't think you could fully support the client to their expectations then you could say so from the start?

[BellyBelly]

That sounds terrible! I wouldn't like to think those sort of doulas existed - especially in Australia. The doula is hired by the couple, so it's in her best interests to support her and help her achieve the best birth possible. Some midwives and doulas don't take on clients if they don't click with them or if they feel they can't support what they want, but thats right at the very start not after an agreement has been made. I think that would be a very rare occurance and unheard of here!

The problem is the role is newish and there are no governing bodies or laws - you dont even need training to call yourself a doula so you need to screen who you choose very carefully and find out their philosophies first up. I have an interview sheet on the BellyBelly Birth Support Page.

[Pandora]

Thats what I thought Kelly, and what I would expect to happen.
Thanks

[DoulaRelle]

I would definately agree with Kelly.

Part of taking on the role of becoming a Doula is to learn the importance of personal Choice and to respect your client's choices respectively. This includes where they birth, how they birth and what care providers they have.

I think it is a mutual decision after the intial meeting if both parties were comfortable and wanted to continue the relationship.

[Julie Doula]

I also agree with Kelly. It sounds like the doula scene in USA is a different kettle of fish. I've been on a US doula & midwife site and they definitely do some things differently to here. I like our approach. We are hired by the couple - we are there to support and facilitate THEIR journey. I would not like to think that we would become like some (Note: SOME) doctors and midwives who've lost their flexibility and become a 'system' - I'm hoping that because we are hired individually, by individual women/couples, that we won't become just another 'system'. That is a risk tho - it's human nature, so we should watch out for that.

Applause for the many midwives and doctors (and doulas) out there, who decades later, have never lost their personalized approach with each and every woman and birth.

I don't see how you could 'fire' a client. It would be more about helping them find the right support and the right location for what they want. A good 'fit' is good for all.