Doulas

A doula is non-medical member of birth team whose sole responsibility is providing support during labor and birth. A doula will be familiar with your birth plan and help facilitate communication between you and your support team.

Provides emotional support. During the intense labor and birth process, a doula can help with breathing exercises, mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques, which can provide invaluable encouragement to the pregnant woman.

Gives physical support. Doulas know body mechanics well and can suggest different movements and positions for labor and birth. They can also give can give back rubs and massages and show how to use tools such as birthing balls at different stages of labor. A doula can also work with patient care team to respond to patient requests for comfort items such as water and blankets.

Offers advocacy for the family. Doulas do not give medical advice, but one of their jobs is to be an advocate for the birthing family and encourage communication between the pregnant woman, support person and clinical team. If plans change from a vaginal birth to a Cesarean birth, a doula may also be able to provide support during surgery as a familiar face in an unfamiliar environment.

Shares informational support. Doulas may be asked to explain what is happening or going to happen during the labor and birth experience. A doula can provide information about childbirth or help clarify information from the medical team for the birthing family.

Helps reduce length of labor and increase satisfaction with childbirth. Research shows that support from a doula can shorten the length of labor, reduce the risk of Cesarean birth, and reduce the risk of forceps or vacuum-assisted birth. A doula can also increase maternal satisfaction with childbirth without posing any risk to the mother.

You can either bring your own certified doula or take advantage of free volunteer doula support. Learn more here.