Doula is a Greek word meaning “woman who serves.”

A Doula accompanies a woman during labour, providing non-clinical physical, emotional and informational support.

A woman´s needs during childbirth are complex. Aside from modern obstetrical care, and the love and support provided by her partner, a woman needs consistent, continuous comfort, reassurance, encouragement and respect. Every woman is different and so care needs to be individualized based on each woman´s circumstances and personal needs.

Doulas specialize in non-medical skills, and do not perform clinical tasks, or diagnose medical conditions. A Doula provides continuous support, from early labor, through birth, until the family is resting comfortably. The Doula offers help and advice on comfort measures such as pain management, breathing, relaxation, movement, positioning, and massage. She also assists families to gather the information they need to create a satisfying birth experience as they define it.

Doulas work in collaboration with midwives, nurses, physicians and birth partners. Experienced Doulas are considered to be part of the obstetrical team. Doulas attend home births and hospital births; medicated births and non-medicated births. Doulas may be the only support person for the mother, or may be part of a labor support team. A Doula is not a nurse, but is a trained childbirth professional that understands the labour and birth process, and can offer consistent, personalized care and support.