What is a doula?


A doula is a professional labor assistant who provides physical and emotional support to you and your partner during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.

For instance, a doula might offer:

  • Attention to physical comfort through techniques such as touch and massage and assistance with breathing

  • Emotional reassurance, comfort and encouragement

  • Information about what's happening during labor and the postpartum period, including explanations of procedures

  • Help with facilitating communication between you and the hospital staff

  • Guidance and support for loved ones

  • Assistance with breast-feeding

Often, however, a doula's most important role is to provide continuous support during labor and delivery. Some studies have shown that continuous support from doulas during childbirth might be associated with:

  • A decreased use of pain relief medication during labor

  • A decreased incidence of C-sections

  • A decrease in the length of labor

  • A decrease in negative childbirth experiences

A doula might add another opinion to the mix when decisions need to be made about labor and delivery. However, a doula doesn't provide medical advice, nor can they change the clinical recommendations of a midwife or an obstetrician.

Mayoclinic.org