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What is a "Birth Doula"?

The word "Doula", which comes from ancient Greek,  refers to a woman trained and experienced in childbirth. A Doula provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the expectant mother and her partner during labor, delivery, and in the immediate postpartum period.

Studies show that when Doulas are present at birth, women have shorter labors, fewer medical interventions, fewer cesareans and healthier babies. Recent evidence also suggests that when a Doula provides labor support, women are more satisfied with their experience and the mother-infant interaction is enhanced as long as two months after the birth. With Doula support, fathers tend to stay more involved with their partner rather than pull away in times of stress.

The Doula offers help and advice on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement, and positioning. Doulas attend the entire labor and delivery, and stay for immediate post-partum assistance with lactation support (if needed). Doulas specialize in non-medical skills and do not perform clinical tasks. Doulas do not diagnose medical conditions, offer second opinions, or give any medical advice.