What is a Birth Doula

The word "doula" comes from ancient Greek and now refers to a trained, experienced woman who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to mothers before, during and after childbirth.

A doula’s support positively impacts the childbirth experience for the mother and her partner and ensures that their preferences and desires are acknowledged throughout the birth process.

The doula is a constant and caring presence for the mother during labor and childbirth and immediately postpartum. She provides the type of emotional or physical support the mother needs at any given moment with the understanding that it may very well change.

A doula does not perform clinical tasks such as blood pressure or temperature readings, electronic monitoring, or vaginal exams. She can offer explanations of clinical procedures and encourage communication between the mother and the clinical staff. The doula advocates for the mother and she works respectfully and supportively with clinical providers.

A doula’s childbirth training and experience are helpful in providing reassurance and confidence to a partner during a mother’s labor. The doula does not take the place of the mother’s partner; rather she enhances it with encouragement and suggestions of comfort measures. Having a doula to coach them and offer support relieves partners of pressure in an unfamiliar environment and often enhances their experience.

A doula respects each mother’s individual choices for her birth. A doula may offer resources, such as books, studies, websites and local provider lists, to expand an expectant mother’s awareness of her options. However, the doula’s role is to offer knowledge, but to respect and support each mother’s right to make her own decision.