What is a doula?

Since beginning my training and certification as a doula, I have had a lot of people say to me "what is a doula"? I have been describing it as a birth coach, but it is so much more than that. So, I decided to get the definition down in writing for those who are interested.

A doula...

Is a woman who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and just after childbirth.

• Recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life...
• Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor...
• Assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth...
• Stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor...
• Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint and assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make good decisions...
• Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and clinical care providers...
• 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.

PostPartum doulas offer support at home in the weeks following the birth. This may range from anything to breastfeeding support, newborn care, cooking, light cleaning and more.