Hey everyone. I'm a new student doula and I just got my 2nd client yesterday.... with a lesbian couple. Since I'm really new to this, was hoping you might have some suggestions for me. This is their first baby. Someone had mentioned on a different board that for the birth it might be a good idea if the other mother had medical power of attorney in case of an emergency. (They are planning a hospital birth with an OB at this time.) Is there anything else that I should be aware of that might apply to their birth?

Hey everyone. I'm a new student doula and I just got my 2nd client yesterday.... with a lesbian couple. Since I'm really new to this, was hoping you might have some suggestions for me. This is their first baby. Someone had mentioned on a different board that for the birth it might be a good idea if the other mother had medical power of attorney in case of an emergency. (They are planning a hospital birth with an OB at this time.) Is there anything else that I should be aware of that might apply to their birth?

A lot will depend on your state's laws and the hospital policy. Med Power of attorney can't hurt. They should make sure their OB is on board with them - that the OB will include the non-birth partner as an equal parent in decision making. They need to do their research so there won't be surprises popping up.

Good luck!

We had a written birth plan, medical power of attorney, durable power of attorney and a current will. They might want to get in touch with a local lesbian moms group to get the story on local facilities to figure out which ones tend toward trouble for non-trad couples.