Doulas: to wear scrubs or not wear scrubs?

[doula and mom]

I attended a birth on Sunday with another doula who was wearing scrubs.

On one hand, she looked very professional -- and it was a nice barrier to the mec-filled amniotic fluid that splashed all over the floor. On the other hand, would it piss the nurses off even more than they are (those who hate doulas on principle)? I talked to her later and she said she struggles with whether or not to wear scrubs. I've thought about it, but honestly just the amount of bodily fluids involved in this birth is making me lean toward it!

[Altair]

I don't, and I wouldn't ever want to. I don't want to look medical. I am not there for any medical purpose.

I bring a change of clothing in case of excess body fluids. I am very careful not to get fluids on my skin. I like to change before I leave, and then shower/change when I get home again.

[courtenay_e]

I too, have struggled with this, albiet briefly. I don't want to look like part of the institution. I want to be a person who is WITH this woman, not seperate from her. When I wear (comfy yet professional looking) street clothes, I look like a friend, not someone who's going to invade her space/privacy/skin yet again. I keep TWO changes of clothes with me, one in my bag and one in the car. Labor and birth can be wet/messy prospects!

[dace101]

I also debated whether or not to use scrubs, but in the end decided to go with them. My compromise was to make sure they looked different from the hospital issued ones and also to embroider them with "Doula" and some positive birth affirmations.

I can certainly understand the dilemma. After all, I'm not a medical professional, I do not work with or represent the hospital (although I have certain feelings about the perception that by even attending hospital births I am somehow "endorsing" hospital births by helping women to feel comfortable about birthing in them), it would seem a little silly to wear scrubs BUT I feel comfortable in them, I can easily change them in case of "spillage", and I am easily identifiable to the hospital staff (although I am there for the mother not them - AND I can see how it might piss the nurses off hehe).

I have never attended a home birth, but I think I would just wear jeans and a tshirt if I ever got the opportunity. I think that while I can foster my preference for scrubs in a hospital (even though it may be subliminally equating birth with medical practice and therefore damaging to the greater picture in regards to how people view birth), I think that in a homebirth setting it would just appear disrespectful for me to show up in scrubs, KWIM?

Whatever your decision, I certainly wouldn't factor how the nurses feel into it. Go with what you are comfortable in, and how you think your clients will react.

[MommyBear]

I've been told that it could be a bad idea to wear scrubs based on the fact that you look medical and doctors could expect you to "do their bidding" so to speak. If there were a true emergency, I wouldn't want to stand in the way of things getting done as fast as they should/could. Also I've run across a lot of ladies who just don't trust medical professionals so looking more like a friend is a bonus.

I wish there weren't that barrier though. Scrubs are so comfy and take so little room to pack a change. Maybe we need to design some special doula scrubs, with the word DOULA printed all over them :)

[momto l&a]

There was a thread a number of months ago about mw's and scrubs.

[Belle]

I've been told that it could be a bad idea to wear scrubs based on the fact that you look medical and doctors could expect you to "do their bidding" so to speak. If there were a true emergency, I wouldn't want to stand in the way of things getting done as fast as they should/could. Also I've run across a lot of ladies who just don't trust medical professionals so looking more like a friend is a bonus.

I wish there weren't that barrier though. Scrubs are so comfy and take so little room to pack a change. Maybe we need to design some special doula scrubs, with the word DOULA printed all over them :)
I feel the same way. I wouldn't want to be mistaken for a nurse. So I won't wear them. They do look comfy though.

[mamallama]

I always carry a change of clothes (including undies & socks) & a towel (& the plastic bag I keep them in) in case I have to change. I usually do end up changing, as most of our hospitals have showers rather than tubs & I wind up wet and cold by the time mom is out for good. My spare clothes take up about as much space as my snack selection :)

I just don't get the allure of scrubs. The talk here is about bodily fluids, but it just hasn't been an issue for me. I get splashed sometimes, but so far nothing has stained. My birth clothes are dark and/or patterned, so even if I were to get super "lucky" with the pea soup, it would probably still be fine.

And lastly, I do most of my shopping at Goodwill. A pair of pants is less than $7, a top is less than $5. On the off chance I do pick up a stain, it won't break me :) In fact, I think it's a pretty small price to pay to differentiate me from the folks who aren't working directly for my clients.

[Midwife Kris]

If I have time to plan, I wear scrub pants (very comfy and loose for getting myself into funky positions when supporting a mom) and t-shirts with a jacket. If I don't then I grab whatever is closest to me when the call comes and hope it matches by the time I get to where I am going ;) I tried to designate a wardrobe for birth, but since I tend to get in deep with my clients I am usually getting splashed with something and my wardrobe was soon trashed.

btw, janitors and food service personnel at the hospital wear scrubs so why do the nurses think it makes THEM special?

[emmabella]

Well I wear scrub pants (in fun colors) with regular nice t-shirts. I find this combo doesn't look very medical and nobody has ever commented on it. It is all about comfort when I'm in whatever wierd position the circumstance requires and there are very few things more comfy than scrub pants. I don't even know when we have to refer to them as "scrub" pants, really they are just lightweight fabric pants with an elastic waistband.

[memiles]

I have a birth "uniform"-black yoga pants, solid color shirts, running shoes for hospital births and comfy slippers for home births. I'm trying to decide which birth advocacy shirts to purchase to replace the shirts, but the ones I have (from old navy) are so comfortable and fit so well, I hate to get them up.

They allow me to get into all kids of crazy positions, the shirts layer well for temperature changes, and everything washes well. A second set goes in the bag, rolled up, in case they are needed. The only time I have ever used them was halfway through a 60 hour birth.

That birth did teach me to wear something I can sleep in comfortably-I spent one night in the couple's guest room, and one night on a pad on the hospital floor. Jeans would have been really irritating at that point!

[greeniegreen]

I never wore scrubs when I was attending births as a doula - I wanted to look as different as the staff as absolutely possible. I didn't want any confusion as to who I was there for. I think they're an intervention in themselves.

[courtenay_e]

I have a birth "uniform"-black yoga pants, solid color shirts, running shoes for hospital births and comfy slippers for home births. I'm trying to decide which birth advocacy shirts to purchase to replace the shirts, but the ones I have (from old navy) are so comfortable and fit so well, I hate to get them up.

They allow me to get into all kids of crazy positions, the shirts layer well for temperature changes, and everything washes well. A second set goes in the bag, rolled up, in case they are needed. The only time I have ever used them was halfway through a 60 hour birth.

That birth did teach me to wear something I can sleep in comfortably-I spent one night in the couple's guest room, and one night on a pad on the hospital floor. Jeans would have been really irritating at that point!

:D We shop at the same place! This is my favorite birthing outfit. I have three pair of black yoga pants which I save specifically for births, and the solid colored, long sleeved t-shirts that I have from old navy rock. I do have one difference, though. I wear my Clarks brand shoes when I get there, and then switch into my Birkenstocks when things get serious...the birks are the best thing in the world to wear on your feet in a hospital...I never come home with tired feet or legs...and I have the dark colored "nursing/surgery" kind that wash out easily with water...that way, were I splashed with random fluids, it won't ruin the foot bed like it would with my sandals.

[ctowndoula]

Well, I might be in the minority here. :) I do wear scrub pants, one of a couple doula t-shirts, and a name tag that identifies me and that I am a certified doula. I do it b/c they are comfortable, I don't have to worry about having it clean (I have had blood stains), and I get the kind that have BIG pockets in them (I keep post-it notes and a pen to make a notes for baby's birth. After an all night birth I can get fuzzy on the details too). I also do it b/c I want the RNs to see me as a professional. I don't know if it works or not but that is my intent.:mischief
I haven't had any clients that complained. I also wouldn't have a problem wearing street clothes if that is what they want. I do let them know what I wear to a birth at the prenatals.
The only homebirths I have attended where my own:D wore a bikni to that. I don't think I would wear scrubs but I don't know what I would do without my pockets!
That being said, I also wear them as a postpartum doula b/c I have allergies to cats and dogs. This way I have a distinct set of clothes that I can wash and not get any allergic reactions at home. I also get plenty of spit ups and such on them too.:lol

[doula mary]

I only wear scrubs for c-births.

I think there can be some truth to the "white coat syndrome"...more like "medical scrub syndrome".

I think it is important to separate doulas from medical staff too for the same reasons listed above"

Honestly..I don't think scrubs are all that comfortable. I too wear yoga pants and a shirt, I do wear "Birks"...the kind you can rinse.

Our doula organization has name tags that state we are doulas and are required if going into OR.

Mary

[barbara]

Have a friend who was wearing scrubs (because she forgot to pack a change of clothes) for a hospital birth. They went in for a c-section, and the doctor began shouting orders to her and handed her an instrument.

She hasn't worn scrubs since and is careful not to look like a nurse!

BTW, my experience as a doula in the hospital is that the nurses love doulas, we take a lot of work load off them, so I wouldn't worry about offending the nurses, unless you are rude to them.

I too find that yoga pants and t-shirts are great for births both at home and in hospital! I take a change of clothes and am always comfy and feeling right at home!

[BirthFree]

I won't wear scrubs and don't want to even when a MW (in my future I pray/plan)... I think it directly plays into the medical feel of birth and there are lots of clothes I have that are clean, comfy, wash-able and all that without giving a sense of medical-model care. That is my strongly held belief and .02. ;)

I really just don't think doulas should wear them.
~Julie

[DoulaSarah]

I have only ever worn scrubs when I had body fluids spashed all over me at the hospital about 5 years ago. They were nice enough to give me a set of them!

I have a "Sarah" bag. (Actually I am still working on it from a long birth last week) In it goes:

~1 long black pair of yoga pants
~1 stretchy black yoga shorts (those new weird ugly ones with the wide legs...I look like an idiot, but they are comfy and good for warm weather)~1 long dark grey cotton shirt
~1 short sleeve brown cotton shirt
~1 short sleeve pink cotton shirt
~ a couple pairs of socks

A little case with toothbrush, toothpaste, Tylenol, Advil, Aleve (I get all sorts of aches and pains at a birth) Dove face washcloths, bandaids, hairbrush and binders, lotion, hand cleanser, contact solution, tampons...and kleenex!

I also have some Cheerios, granola bars and I am hoping to add a couple more little snacks.

When I have a birth (take yesterday for example) 3:30AM, got the call to come, went downstairs, grabbed the bag, got dressed (didn't have to scramble for what to wear, it was all right there) and went.

The only thing I want to add is a comfortable fitted sweatshirt, maybe something that zips up. It is cold in the hospitals. I am really lucky though that I am attending more homebirths then hospital.

Also, I have to plug these amazing and CHEAP shoes!! All doulas and midwifes should have a pair! They are very comfortable and easy to wash...

I have the pink ones! (http://www.payless.com/Catalog/ProductDetail.aspx?&TLC=Womens&SLC=WomensCasuals&BLC=WomensCasualsComfort&Width=Regular&ItemCode=52959&LotNumber=047164&Type=Adult&Popularity=747&DescriptiveColor=Pink)

[dace101]

Also, I have to plug these amazing and CHEAP shoes!! All doulas and midwifes should have a pair! They are very comfortable and easy to wash...
I have the pink ones! (http://www.payless.com/Catalog/ProductDetail.aspx?&TLC=Womens&SLC=WomensCasuals&BLC=WomensCasualsComfort&Width=Regular&ItemCode=52959&LotNumber=047164&Type=Adult&Popularity=747&DescriptiveColor=Pink)
I was wondering when someone was going to mention "crocs" LOL! Everyone in my town wears them, and I don't mean just those who work with births/hospitals. I mean they even make them for children. :lol I don't have any, no matter how comfy I think I just hate trends LOL!
I think they originated in spas/tanning salons.

Sorry for the off-topic *tsk tsk @ self*

[doula mary]

Not to go OT but I had to chime in!

I agree hospitals are always COLD...have a sweatshirt in my bag.
Also carry, personal stuff...especially food, money...band aids and sm. breast pump.

For moms
Rebozo
Camera
Essential oils
massage lotion
Hand fan
Penny Simkins....Labor Progress book
Music
Scrubs
I'm sure there is more in there...cant remember!

Mary

[AnotherDoula]

I have really never considered wearing scrubs.... and now I will be sure to pack an extra change of clothes, too! :)

The atmosphere where I am now is not 100% doula friendly in the hospitals, so I introduce myself to the nurses, but don't tell them I a doula.. they usually ask me eventually, or figure it out and comment. So far, only positive nurses, but I am still new on this path.

I have also learned to pack knitting or something to do in case there is a time period where the mom sleeps or is away (epidural, c-section, etc).

[doula mary]

I have really never considered wearing scrubs.... and now I will be sure to pack an extra change of clothes, too! :)

The atmosphere where I am now is not 100% doula friendly in the hospitals, so I introduce myself to the nurses, but don't tell them I a doula.. they usually ask me eventually, or figure it out and comment. So far, only positive nurses, but I am still new on this path.

I have also learned to pack knitting or something to do in case there is a time period where the mom sleeps or is away (epidural, c-section, etc).

They dont let you attend c-births?!
Mary

[AnotherDoula]

sure they do, if the dad/partner doesn't want to go in.... but they supply the scrubs to go over my clothes, like they do for the partners.

I have only done this once (I have had only 1 c-section so far).....like I said, I am still very new. :)

[doula mary]

Can the mom have her partner AND her doula for c-births?
Mary

[AnotherDoula]

not in the two hospitals in my city.... they only allow one person in with the mom.

I figured if I have a c-section and I am not the person to go in, I'll wait for the mom to help afterwards.

[dace101]

Can the mom have her partner AND her doula for c-births?
Mary
I know you're probably speaking theoretically, so don't mind my reference to "you" in my reply, it was merely meant as a general term for anyone faced with this situation...
Generally, I think hospital policy is only to "allow" 1 other person during a cesarean section. However, I don't see why it cannot be discussed during prenatal visits with your care provider and have your Doula scrub in with your partner. You are paying both your care provider and your Doula for a service (your Doula is a much needed companion if you feel you need professional support and nurturing during birth, including a cesarean delivery), you have every right to request both partner and Doula be present at ALL times (much needed when the baby is delivered and your partner stays with the baby while your Doula helps you in recovery). I would personally make sure that my Doula was allowed to accompany me everywhere while in hospital, and I would make that known to my care provider before the birthing day (written into my birth plan and then actually discussed with them).
Anyways, sorry for indulging more off-topic (again! I'm "soooo naughty" as my dc would say lol!)... :innocent

[doula mary]

We used to have three hospitals in my city and two merged and now we have two...anyway at ALL hospitals the doula was allowed in, I have even been at several c-births where they let in TWO IN AND THE DAD.

AT my favorite most birth friendly hospital, they consider "doula's" as staff during a c-birth...although they must have a name tag on...identifying who they are.

Mary