The word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek word meaning “a woman who serves” and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and just after birth.

Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labours are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier, and they breastfeed more easily.

A Birth Doula

• Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
• Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
• Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
• Stays with the woman throughout the labor
• Provides emotional support and physical comfort measures, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decisions
• Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner, and her clinical care providers
• Encourages the woman’s partner to participate at his comfort level

A Postpartum Doula

• Helps the family integrate the baby into the family
• Supports the family for the days and weeks after the baby is born
• Encourages family members to participate in baby care by modelling a calm presence and baby handling techniques
• Does whatever a mother needs to best enjoy and care for her family
• Provides information on baby care and assists with breastfeeding education
• Works for an hourly wage and usually for 3-5 hour shifts. Some doulas will work night shifts
• Doulas can help with household tasks such as laundry, food prep, light cleaning and childcare to allow the parents time to rest and relax
• A doula’s goal is to nurture the parents into their new roles. As they experience success and their knowledge and self-confidence grows, their needs for professional support should diminish