What is a Doula?

A Doula is a woman who is trained to provide physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers-to-be and their partners before, during labor and birth, and in the postpartum period.
Doulas work alongside physicians, midwives, nurses, and birth partners, and are endorsed by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Experienced, certified Doulas are considered part of the obstetric team, as they help couples minimize obstetrical intervention through informational and emotional support, and maximize their satisfaction with their birth experiences.

Doulas do not provide clinical tasks. Non-medical skills include explanations of medical procedures, 24 hour informational support during pregnancy and postpartum, positioning suggestions during labor and birth, massage and other non-pharmacological pain relief measures, reassurance, help with breastfeeding preparation and beginnings, and most importantly, a constant nurturing, helpful and objective support as well as first-hand knowledge and understanding of what the laboring mother is going through. This benefits both the mother and father-to-be.


Doulas do attend home births. However, most of the Doula's work is done for couples having a hospital birth. She comes to the home in early labor, and then follows the couple to their birthing place.
Postpartum Doulas meet the emotional and physical needs of new parents by providing continuous praise, reassurance, breastfeeding assistance and comfort measures to the healing mother. Postpartum Doulas nurture not only the new mother but the entire family by taking care of siblings, light cleaning, cooking nutritious meals, and whatever else to make their lives easier. Postpartum Doulas are very knowledgeable and can offer help that is needed to get breastfeeding off to a good start or to help solve any problems that may occur.

Does a Doula replace the father's or the birth partner's role?

On the contrary! Her presence strengthens the father's role. Pressure to know how to help the laboring mother is removed. The Doula anticipates the physical and emotional needs of the laboring mother as labor progresses, and helps the father to better help his partner during this trying time.

This is such an intimate and private time. Does the Doula interfere with that?

Contrary to popular belief, the Doula- assisted birth is even more intimate. Early labor can take place comfortably in your home. Dim lighting, soothing music, warm water, and relaxation: all are encouraged by the Doula, who records events to create a birth story to treasure always. The emotional bond and sense of connection between mother and partner is important, and the Doula knows when to stay in the background when the couple is doing well, and when to jump in and offer guidance, such as position changes and breathing variations, as labor progresses.

Isn't the Doula a stranger?

You will have spent many hours getting to know your Doula during hour-long prenatal visits, and on an on-call basis with weekly communication during the last month of your pregnancy. She will be the professional you are very comfortable with in your home. She will be a constant presence in hospital, unlike other maternity staff that unfortunately has shift changes. Like them, however, she is not an emotionally-involved family member who may find it difficult to witness their loved one during the hard work of labor.

Why does the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists endorse Doula support?

Unfortunately, there have been nursing cutbacks in our medical system. The result of this is that nurses often have more than one couple under their care, and how busy the Maternity Unit will be at any given hour is very unpredictable.


While the Doula is not a nurse, she is a constant presence when medical professionals leave the birthing room. She is a trained childbirth professional who understands the labor and birth process. When a laboring woman feels safe and secure, is constantly reassured and is less frightened, labor progresses. Oftentimes, obstetrical interventions are minimized so that the mother can trust and allow her body to give birth, all the while feeling safe and secure.

Numerous studies have shown that the presence of a Doula at a birth results in:

*(Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth), Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus

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