I'm just curious as to what sort of level of support one can expect from a doula before the actual birth. Recently I've been feeling quite anxious (perhaps it's last-minute nerves) as the end of my pregnancy approaches. I posted elsewhere about feeling some pressure from my OB to induce on account of a suspected 'big baby' (a pressure I'm not all that interested in giving in to, based on vague estimates), and since that time I've felt my confidence ebb a little.

I have broached the subject with my doula, and I'm not sure if I am expecting the wrong sort of support from her in relation to this. I suppose my idea is that she is going to be present for the very intimate event of my child's birth, and therefore voicing my concerns is just another intimate act that she would share in. I know that a doula is not a counsellor or psychologist, but I don't feel like my concerns have necessarily been acknowledged. On a few occasions she has asked if I have any concerns or anxieties surrounding the birth, but I don't really feel as though we've been involved in an actual dialogue about such matters.

I suppose what I am trying to determine is whether this kind of support falls outside of the realm of what a doula does. Do you think it is being too demanding to want pre-natal emotional support, given the fact that I also have a significant other who is very much in tune with how I am feeling? Are my expectations of my doula out of whack? Although we have had prenatal visits, is it more realistic for me to think of her as there primarily for the birth, with little emotional involvement outside of this event? I'd really appreciate anyone's thoughts on this - my brain is a bit foggy with anxiety at the moment anyway, so I'm not sure if I am being too demanding with this.

Thanks!