Doula is a Greek word that means “a woman who serves.” Today, doulas are trained non-medical professionals offering continuous support to moms during the entire childbirth experience. To learn more about the present role of doulas and the research behind why they are so effective, click here!

Doulas guide families to fulfill their individual desires for birth. A doula’s ultimate goal is to help moms experience a positive and safe birth through information and support. In pregnancy, a doula meets with clients to discuss the upcoming birth, answer questions, and to provide assistance navigating the healthcare system.

During labor, doulas provide physical comfort to mothers by way of pain relief techniques and suggestions to make labor progress smoothly. Doulas also provide emotional reassurance to mothers and their birth team. Even if you plan on having a family member or friend present at birth, doulas can still be of great help!

In my experience, dads enjoy being able to be more present at the birth of their child – knowing a knowledgeable guide is present to care for mom.

Not at all! A doula has no hidden agenda for a client’s birth. A doula’s role is to help the mother navigate the birth she desires. Doulas also can help clients adjust when their birth plans change.

• 25% decrease in the risk of Cesarean; the largest effect was seen with a doula (39% decrease)*
• 8% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth; the largest effect was seen with a doula (15% increase)*
• 10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief; the type of person providing continuous support did not make a difference
• Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference
• 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference
• 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience; mothers’ risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience was reduced with continuous support provided by a doula or someone in their social network (family or friend), but not hospital staff

Childbirth is certainly a natural process, but birth still can be a mysterious force of nature! A childbirth education/preparation course demystifies much of the birthing process.

Sessions provide an opportunity to address any of your fears about birth, learn comfort measures to handle labor pain, understand medical interventions, connect with your birth partner, and more.

Furthermore, our modern maternity care system is fraught with outdated practices and hidden risks; being an informed consumer is the best way to approach birthing in the American healthcare system. And having a doula by your side can make a WORLD of difference.