Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Stats

Birthing people who have the support of a doula are:

• Nearly 40% less likely to have a cesarean birth

• Less likely to use pain medication

• Less likely to need an assisted delivery

• Less likely to experience postpartum depression and anxiety

• More likely to rate their birth experience positively

• Experience shorter labors

• Experience enhanced breastfeeding

• Feel improved self esteem

What is a doula?

DONA International defines a doula as:

A trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.

What does a doula do?

A doula carries on the rich cultural traditions of caring for and nurturing birthing people.

• Physical Support in the form of hands-on comfort measures, relaxation suggestions, positioning, and breathing techniques

• Emotional Support by creating a continuous nurturing, comforting, and reassuring space where the natural progression of labor can flow

• Partner Support in the form of encouraging as much involvement as they’d like and ensuring their needs are met as well

• Evidence-Based Information and Advocacy by providing education and resources so birthing people can make informed choices about their births and advocate for the best care from their providers

What does doula does NOT do?

A doula is not a medical professional or judge.

• Perform clinical tasks such as vaginal examinations or monitoring of the fetal heart rate

• Provide medical advice or diagnoses

• Deliver the baby

• Judge the birthing person for choices made before, during, or after the birth

• Allow personal preferences, biases, or values to impact the quality or continuity of care

• Pressure birthing people into making any decision

• Take over the role of the birthing person’s partner

• Change shifts or clock out

How could a doula help me?

A doula is another layer of support for your birth experience.

• Help find questions and topics to discuss with your provider

• Assist in physical maneuvering before and during labor to help optimize fetal positioning and maternal comfort

• Support the birth partner in meeting basic needs

• Hold space for the birthing person and parter

• Help process unexpected changes during labor and delivery

• A neutral, yet committed resource to help process the birth experience