What is a doula?

A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.

Why have a doula?

Many scientific trials have shown that doulas have a positive impact on the well-being of the entire family. Mothers who have a doula during their birth tend to have fewer medical interventions, slightly shorter labors, and report lower pain levels and higher satisfactions with their birth experience.

Giving birth can be confusing, complicated, and difficult. A guide in this process can bring clarity to allow you to make decisions confidently. Having someone solely focused on you helps you to feel strengthened, encouraged, and capable throughout the birth journey.

A Doula Does:

Provide continuous physical and emotional labor support to a mother before, during, and after birth
Suggest comfort measures
Provide support and suggestions for partners
Provide the information the client needs to make informed decisions
Empower the client to be their own advocate and make the decisions that are best for their unique birth
Encourage the client to ask questions of her health care provider and express her preferences and concerns
Refer the client to other professions for services outside the doula’s scope of practice
Abide by DONA International’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for birth doulas

A Doula Does Not:

Provide medical care or prescribe medications
Make diagnoses
Make decisions for the client or speak to the care provider for the client
Share her personal opinion/bias
Take the place of the client’s primary care provider

For more information, visit www.dona.org