Questions

What is a Doula?
Doula is a greek word meaning "woman caregiver". Today a birth doula is a trained, non-medical person, who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support, to women and their partner during labor and birth as well as during the immediate postpartum period. The doula's role is to assist parents in having the type of birthing experience they desire. Please read What is a Doula?

What is the benefit of hiring a doula?
Studies have shown that hiring a doula reduces the mom's chance of a cesarean section, shortens the length of labor, decreases the pain medication required, enhances bonding and breastfeeding. (The Doula Book: M. Klaus, Kennell, P. Klaus)

Also doulas can offer support to the mom's partner, allowing him/her to participate at his own comfort level. Doulas are NOT there to replace the woman's partner. Please read: Partners and Doulas

Is a doula different from a midwife?
Yes! A doula's primary purpose is emotional and physical support of the laboring woman. Doulas provide only non-clinical support for the laboring woman. Doulas do NOT perform any clinical procedures such as: checking baby's heart rate, vaginal exams, blood pressure checks or delivering/catching the baby. Those clinical procedures are the responsibility of the woman's careprovider (Midwife or Doctor).