"Doula" refers to a supportive companion (other than a friend or loved one) who is professionally trained to provide labor support. She performs no clinical tasks. A doula is specially trained and accompanies women and/or couples in labor to provide emotional and physical support.
Doulas continuous, knowledgeable, and reassuring presence makes a dramatic difference in how confident and comfortable a woman feels during labor and birth. Women report less painful births with a doula.
A doula provides: emotional support; an objective viewpoint; assistance in getting the information she needs to make informed decisions; help and advice on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, massage and positioning; assistance to partners who want to play an active support role; help so the woman has a safe and satisfying childbirth as the woman defines it. A doula recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life.
A doula understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor.
A doula assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth.
A doula stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor.
A doula perceives her role as one who nurtures and protects the woman's memory of her birth experience.


The acceptance of doulas in maternity care is growing rapidly with the recognition of their important contribution to the improved physical outcomes and emotional well being of mothers and infants.

• A doula helps keep Mom composed through experience, training, relaxation techniques, massage, acupressure, and emotional support.
  
  
• The guidance of a doula increases a Coach's participation and enjoyment of the birth experience, rather than replacing the Coach, a doula works with him/her to create a strong and supportive team.
  
  
• A doula reviews and models techniques learned in childbirth class for Coach to enable him/her to be more effective for Mom.
  
  
• A doula stays with Mom, giving consistent support. Coach can take a break, get something to eat, make phone calls, etc., without worrying about Mom being left alone.
  
  
• A doula can be hired to help Moms for whom a Coach may be unavailable.
  
  
• A doula increases the success rate of a VBAC. (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)
  
  
• If Mom desires an unmedicated birth, the help of a doula greatly increases the chance of her overall satisfaction with the birth.
  
  
• If medications are considered during the labor, the doula will help inform Mom and Coach of their options so they can make the best decision. Medicated births were also reported as being more satisfying with a doula.
  
  
• Acting as the Mom's advocate and providing support for Mom, Coach and/or family members, the doula helps in significant ways to create positive memories of the birth experience.

• the number of cesareans
  
• length of labor
  
• Pitocin use
  
• use of narcotics
  
• requests for epidurals
  
• the need for forceps/vacuum extractor
  
• the number of neonatal problems and the incidence of postpartum depression
  
• A recent study also shows improved bonding between mothers and infants when a doula is present for labor and delivery.
  

• the level of maternal satisfaction with her birth experience
  
• the partners confidence and participation level
  
• the number of mothers breastfeeding their babies
  
• the rate of successful breastfeeding at 3 months
  
• the intensity of mother/infant bonding
  
• maternal self-esteem
  
  

Mom/couple set a meeting with the doula to become acquainted and discuss your priorities and desires. The doula will review childbirth education topics and help design a personal birth plan for your birth. Once contracted, the doula will be on call 24/7 as your due date approaches. Constant phone support is available. There will be a backup doula as well. Once Mom is in active labor, the doula will be by your side until after the baby's birth. The doula will stay 1-2 hours after the birth to help with breastfeeding or until Mom is comfortable with the doula leaving. A follow-up visit, as well as phone support when needed completes the service. A doula assists at hospital births, home births, and birthing center births.