What is a Doula?

“A trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their client before, during and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.” -DONA International

What do birth doulas offer?

Prenatal Support

Evidence Based Birth Education

Emotional & Physical Support

Holding space for you, whatever you're feeling, letting you feel in the moment, helping you feel safe in a way that feels comforting to you.
Supporting your partner in supporting you.
Making sure you are resting when possible.
Keeping you hydrated and fed and using the restroom.
Making sure to keep the atmosphere, lighting and any other preferences as you imagined.
Encouraging upright birth positions and helping you to find the positions that you feel comfortable in.
Holding your hand, sitting silently with you, moaning, humming or slow dancing with you or other comfort measures.
Keeping your birth plan in mind and providing the information and resources you need to make decisions.

“Published data indicate that one of the most effective tools to improve labor and delivery outcomes is the continuous presence of support personnel, such as a doula. Given that there are no associated measurable harms, this resource is probably underutilized.”

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Safe Prevention of the Primary Cesarean Delivery; American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, March 2014

“Published data indicate that one of the most effective tools to improve labor and delivery outcomes is the continuous presence of support personnel, such as a doula. Given that there are no associated measurable harms, this resource is probably underutilized.”