What is a Birth Doula?

Doulas are non-medical professionals who offer support & guidance throughout your reproductive journey.

Doulas are trained in everything from the physiological and emotional processes of labor, childbirth & the postpartum period to fertility, loss & miscarriage. Doulas strive to facilitate & maintain a safe, nurturing atmosphere throughout your reproductive journey, while always encouraging informed choices that lead to empowering birth & parenting experiences.

Why Choose Birth Doula Support?

Statistically, hiring a Doula can lead to:

Decreases in:

  1. Cesarean Section Rates

  2. Epidural/Pain Relief Use

  3. Admission to NICU

  4. Preterm Birth

  5. Stress & Anxiety

Increases in:

  1. Breastfeeding Initiation

  2. Shorter Duration of Labor

  3. Birth Satisfaction

  4. APGAR Scores

  5. Partner Involvement

Data above taken from the 2017 Cochrane Review

Bohren MA, Hofmeyr G, Sakala C, Fukuzawa RK, Cuthbert A. Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2017, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD003766. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub6

What Doulas Do:

  • Offer emotional, physical, community, spiritual & informational support

  • Provide community resources & referrals to add to your care team

  • Educate on your choices in childbirth & postpartum in a variety of birth settings

What Doulas Don’t Do:

  • Diagnose, prescribe, make medical decisions, or act as a medical provider

  • Perform any clinical tasks such as checking or interpreting fetal heart tones, checking the cervix for dilation or effacement, taking blood pressure, or suggesting medications

  • Provide belly massage to manipulate baby’s position in the uterus

  • Replace your partner as a source of comfort