The Greek word for doula means woman caregiver. We now use the word to describe a trained and experienced labor companion who provides the birthing person and their partner continuous emotional support, physical comfort and assistance in obtaining information before, during and just after childbirth. 

​

A birth doula:

​

• recognizes birth as a key life experience that they will remember all their life.

• understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a birthing person in labor.

• assists the birthing person and their partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth.

• stays by the side of the birthing person throughout the entire labor.

• provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint, and assistance in getting the information they need to make good decisions.

• facilitates communication between the birthing person, their partner and clinical care providers.

• perceives her role as one who nurtures and protects the birthing persons memory of their 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 parents and infants.