Just What Is A Doula?

According to DONA International, a doula is a trained, non-medical professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and educational support before, during, and after childbirth. Unlike doctors or midwives, doulas do not deliver babies or provide clinical care. 

Key Benefits of Hiring a Doula

• Reduced Medical Interventions: Research from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and clinical reviews show doula support lowers the odds of cesarean deliveries, shortens labor duration, and reduces the need for epidurals or other pain medications. 

  
  

• Continuous Labor Support: Doctors and hospital nurses shift in and out or care for multiple patients. A doula stays in the room continuously from active labor through delivery to offer undivided attention. 

  
  

• Physical Comfort Measures: Doulas use positioning tools, massage, counterpressure, breathing techniques, and hydrotherapy to help manage labor pain. 

  
  

• Unbiased Advocacy: They help you communicate your birth plan, explain hospital procedures in plain language, and make informed choices. 

  
  

• Partner Support: They coach partners on how to get involved, offer physical relief, or step in when a partner feels overwhelmed or tired. 

  
  

• Postpartum Care: Postpartum doulas assist with newborn care, breastfeeding/chestfeeding, emotional adjustment, light housework, and meal prep.