What is a doula?
A doula is a birthing professional who provides continuous emotional, physical, mental, and informational support to the birthing person and their partner. A doula works with the birthing person (and their family) prenatally, throughout labor and delivery, and postpartum. A doula is not a healthcare provider.

Does a doula replace the role of a partner?
No, the doula and the partner work together! A doula is there to provide additional knowledge on the birthing process and to advocate for the birthing person. A doula is also present to provide relaxation techniques, such as laboring positions, breathing methods, massaging, and much more. The partner is there to support and comfort the birthing person. Additionally, the partner is the most in touch with the birthing person’s emotional needs. When a doula is present, birthing people and their partners report a higher satisfaction in their experience.

Why should I hire a doula?
Women who have continuous support from a doula during childbirth are (according to Evidence Based Birth:

MORE likely to have a shorter laborLESS likely to have a Cesarean section

• MORE likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth

• LESS likely to receive pain medications 

• LESS likely to have vacuum or forced-assisted birth

• To read more on the benefits of a doula, click HERE

When should I hire a doula?
Ideally, it is best to start looking for doulas as soon as possible. Around 20 weeks gestation is a great time to solidify your doula to ensure that there is no conflict in scheduling. However, it’s never too early or too late to hire a doula! 

Which doula is right for me?
It is recommended that you and your partner interview at least three doulas to see which doula best fits your family’s needs.