What in the world is a doula? If you’re pregnant, this is a woman you need to get to know. Giving birth is one of the most life changing and miraculous events in a woman’s life, but it is also one of the most difficult and grueling events as well. Each woman enters the process of birth with desires as to how her baby will enter the world and there is someone who can help you in your attempt to have the birth you desire- a doula.

A doula is a woman who provides continuous physical and/or emotional support during labor and delivery, even postpartum in many cases. Doulas are often childbirth educators and are knowledgeable about labor, birth, comfort measures, and are experts at supporting and nurturing a pregnant woman and her family. Doulas are certified by several agencies and usually develop a relationship with the family prior to the birth.

So what can a doula do for you? The memories of your labor and birth will be with you for the rest of your life, and their impact, whether positive or negative, should not be underestimated. Numerous studies conducted in several different countries describe the effects of doula support during labor. Women with doula support were less likely to have a c-section, anesthesia or analgesia, forceps or vacuum deliveries and were less likely to get an episiotomy. Women with doulas are also less likely to view their birth experiences negatively, had shorter, more manageable labors (2-6 hours shorter depending on the study) and are more successful when breastfeeding. Dr. Kennell, a physician and leading labor support researcher said it best, “If a doula were a drug it would be unethical not to use it”.

The roles of a doula vary depending on the wishes and needs of the mother or couple who hires her. Doulas have completed a course and have experience that has taught them how to provide continuous, physical, emotional, and mental support for the woman and her partner. They come equipped with the knowledge that every woman and every birth is different and they respect the power and strength of the birthing woman. They are educated in the process of labor, understand interventions, and can help when labor may not be progressing or variations occur. It is their desire to do everything possible to encourage mothers to trust their bodies and help decrease any labor related fears. Doulas act only as a support system to the woman and her family. They are not midwives (educated and trained maternity care providers) and do not perform any clinical tasks. Postpartum doulas provide support and assistance after the baby is born to help the family transition to their new roles. They can aid in feeding and baby care, fixing meals, household chores and giving new parents much needed breaks.

Some couples express concern as to whether or not the doula would take the place of the partner who wants to share the experience with the mother. In actuality, a doula will allow the mother’s partner to experience this amazing time with confidence. By providing information, giving suggestions for positions and comfort techniques and taking over if needed, the doula enables the partner to keep an intimate connection with the mother, or time to get away if they are overwhelmed. Staying objective when a loved one is in pain, tired or faced with tough decisions can be extremely difficult. Asking a first-time father/partner to provide sole support in labor has been compared to asking someone to coach a sport they have never seen.