Practice Quiz

Doula

Category - Psychology & Philosophy

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Partners experience childbirth in ways different than mothers, because it is not an embodied experience for them. Which of the following is NOT true of the partner's role in birth?
  1. Partners are displaced by doulas
  2. Partners may be too close emotionally to provide objective judgment.
  3. Partners can provide more intimate support when the couple is assisted by a doula.
  4. Partners may feel decreased self-esteem and guilt if they are not able to help the laboring woman have the birth she imagined.
Explanation
Answer: A - Doulas help the partners to help the mother rather than usurping their role in the birth. It may be difficult for partners in a committed relationship to make rational, objective judgments about interventions and medical emergencies because they are very emotionally attached. Partners are freed to offer personalized, intimate support when the doula is supporting the physical needs of the couple. If anything goes "wrong" with the birth, the partner may feel guilt that he or she wasn't able to do enough, which can impact both self-esteem and relationship dynamics.
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