A doula is 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.

The word doula is derived from the Greek word doúla, which means woman-servant. Unlike midwives, nurses, or other care-practitioners who might be in and out during a birth, a doula’s role is to provide constant support to a woman and her family.

A doula does not make any medical decisions, but does provide birthing families evidence-based information and education before and during birth, enabling women and families to be their own advocates.

Research has shown that the presence of a trained doula contributes to:

• Lower cesarean rates

• Decreased epidural use

• Decrease in length of labor

• Increased rates of breastfeeding

• Increased well-being and satisfaction with birth

• Reduction in anxiety and stress