What is a doula?

A doula is any woman experienced with the birth process who is willing to accompany women and their support partner(s) to birth and provide continuous physical and emotional comfort measures. While doulas do not have to be certified by law, most doulas complete a certification process. Doulas follow a “scope of practice” established by their certifying organization and complete continuing education courses frequently.

What does a doula do?

Using her vast knowledge of the birth process, a doula will give verbal support and encouragement, provide comfort techniques within the guidelines established by the woman’s healthcare provider(s), and help the woman have a better understanding of what her body is capable of throughout pregnancy and birth. The doula also helps preserve the woman’s birth memory.

What does a doula NOT do?

A doula does not deliver babies, give medical advice, tell a woman how to birth, take over the role of the father or primary support person(unless asked to do so) take the place of the medical personnel, provide medical care in any way, interfere with the birth process or advice of the doctor/midwife or write the birth plan if the woman chooses to have one. It is always the responsibility of the woman to communicate her wishes for her birth to her healthcare providers.

Doula studies...

Studies reveal that women who utilize the services of a doula have: 26% less chance of a cesarean birth; 28% less need for epidurals or analgesics (when desired); higher success rate of VBAC; 41% less need for assisted delivery; 33% less likely to have negative feeling surrounding their birth experience; more nurturing attitude toward their infant.

If you have additional questions about the work I do with families, please feel free to ask.