What is a doula?

A doula is a non-medical support person who can be an integral part of your birth team. Doulas can help reduce discomfort during labor and can actually shorten labor and reduce the likelihood of complications.

Doulas are not substitutes for midwives, nurses, or other medical professionals. We are advocates and supporters. Your doula stays with you during your entire labor, from the moment you call for her to arrive until after your baby is born and you’re ready to rest. In fact, doulas can also offer postpartum visits to support you in the days and weeks following birth.

If you have a birth plan or a vision of how you want the birth to go, your doula can support your plans – while also helping you navigate when those plans have to change. For instance, if your goal is an unmedicated birth with minimal medical interventions, your doula can advocate for you with your birth team to make sure you get all the support you need. But if something goes not according to plan, and your birth team recommends interventions, your doula can help explain your options and advocate for whatever you choose.