What is a doula?

A doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and educational support to women and their partners during pregnancy, birth, and/or postpartum. Although most professional doulas are not medically trained, many have been trained in adult CPR and Neonatal Resuscitation techniques. During birth, a doula may massage the laboring woman’s back or feet, suggest changes of position to help facilitate a smoother labor and birth, give gentle guidance to the woman’s partner and/or family on how to help, provide aromatherapy, support the laboring mother through natural coping techniques, etc. After the birth, a doula may assist with breastfeeding support and light household chores. Many people describe a doula as an advocate for the woman and her partner. This means that the doula gets to know the parents she is working with, is aware of their wishes, and should do what she can to help parents have the kind of birth they desire.