What is a doula?

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

-DONA (Doulas of North America)

What are the duties of a doula?

Some things that a Doula might do to help their client before, during, and after labor are:

• helping create a birth plan

• emotionally and physically preparing the mother + partner for the birth and postpartum period

• educating mother + partner on labor interventions, answering questions, and providing emotional support

• help mom get into effective positions to get through contractions + progress labor

• help foster a peaceful birthing environment (aromatherapy, music, etc)

• attend any prenatal doctors appointments if requested

• process the birth with mom and partner + answer questions after delivery

• help with breastfeeding/lactation

• offer parenting techniques

• be an advocate for mom + partner if necessary

  But mostly, a Doula should emotionally prepare mom + partner well enough so that they can advocate for themselves during labor.