What is a Doula?

The word doula means “caregiver” or “woman of service”. A doula is a trained childbirth
companion that provides continuous non-medical support to the birthing mother.
A Birth Doula:

• Never leaves the birthing mother without support (unless desired)

• Supports all birth types

• Provides emotional support to mother and family

• Assists physical comfort (e.g. massage, position changes)

• Guides relaxation (e.g. visualization)

• Supports informed, confident patient consent through advocacy

• Draws birth partner in to participate at their comfort level

• Remains after the birth to listen and answer questions

A Birth Doula Does NOT:

• Perform medical procedures or checks

• Work against medical staff advice

• Replace the father/partner

Studies Have Shown a Doula Can:

• Shorten labor

• Decrease C-Section probability

• Decrease requests for pain medication

• Help fathers participate with confidence

• Increase breastfeeding success

Mothers, fathers, babies, and nurses, midwives, and doctors all benefit from having Doula!