A birth doula is “a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.” –DONA International

A doula offers continuous informational and emotional support throughout the entire pregnancy, helping clients feel confident, heard, and prepared. Doulas also encourage and support clients in asking questions of their care providers about their care and upcoming birth, ensuring they have the information they need to make informed decisions they feel good about for themselves and their growing families.

A birth doula provides the birthing woman and her partner with the physical and emotional support they need to manage labor until their baby is born. Doulas suggest evidence-based physical positions that promote comfort and support labor progression. A doula uses a hands-on approach through verbal encouragement, comforting touch, counter pressure, deep breathing techniques, visual imagery, and much more. A doula also helps create a positive environment that is conducive to relaxation and allows birth hormones to work effectively. During labor, a doula helps clients ask the questions they need to make empowered decisions and advocate for themselves, ensuring they feel informed, supported, and confident throughout the birth process.

Doulas often go the extra mile, offering an extra set of hands to help carry bags, set up the room, adjust lighting or music, and make sure the birthing parent is never alone if their partner needs a quick break. These small but meaningful actions help create a calm, supportive, and comfortable environment that allows families to focus on the birth experience.

Because nurses and physicians often care for multiple patients and may not be continuously present in the room, a doula helps bridge gaps in care by offering consistent support, reassurance, and practical suggestions throughout labor. This continuous presence can help families feel supported between clinical check-ins.

In addition to supporting the laboring woman, a birth doula is also helpful in equipping the woman’s partner to take an active and confident role in the birth experience.

Whether a birth is unmedicated or involves a high level of medical intervention, every birth experience can benefit from the presence of a doula.

What Would A Birth Doula Do?

• Meet for a few prenatal visits and phone consultations

• Labor support during active labor at home and the location of the birth

• Support through the one-two hours following baby’s birth

• A postpartum visit one week following the baby’s birth

Why Is A Birth Doula So Valuable?

Studies have shown that women who are supported emotionally during their labors by doulas are:

• 28% less likely to give birth by cesarean section

• 31% less likely to use synthetic oxytocin to speed up labor.

• 9% less likely to use any pain medication

• 34% less likely to rate their birth experience as negative

Check out DONA International's position paper about research findings on the role of birth doulas.