What is a Doula?

Doula is a Greek word which has come to mean the woman who mothers the mother. She is a woman trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotionial, and informational support to a woman during labor, birth, and the immediate postpartum period.

Doulas provide:

• Continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the woman and her partner during birth.
• Help or suggestions on comfort measures such as relaxation, massage, and position changes.
• Assistance in the preparation of a birth plan and gather information about the labor and birth process.
• Support for the partner while the partner supports the mother.
• Assist in providing a positive birth experience as the couple defines it.

Scope of Practice:

As your doula I will not make decisions for you. I will assist you in obtaining the necessary information to make an informed decision. I can remind you of your wishes stated in your birth plan. I perform NO clinical tasks such as vaginal checks, fetal heart tones, etc. I do not interpret information on the fetal monitor. I will discuss options and concerns with your but you or your partner will need to voice the decisions to the medical staff. I NEVER replace your birth partner.