What Is a Birth Doula?

A birth doula is a woman who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother and her partner before, during and just after childbirth. Doulas attend medicated and unmediated births at home, in the birth center, and in the hospital. The doula understands the emotional needs of a woman in labor as well as the physiology of birth. She helps in preparation for birth, providing the laboring woman with encouragement, comfort measures, relaxation techniques, and an objective viewpoint.

What does a Birth Doula do?

A birth Doula:

“-Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life 

-Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor

-Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth

-Stays with the woman throughout the labor

-Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decision

-Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers

-Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience

-Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level”

- DONA International

What are the benefits to having a birth doula?

Women who are cared for during labor by a birth doula as opposed to usual care are:

-26% less likely to give birth be C-Section

-41% less likely to give birth with a vacuum extractor or forceps

-28% less likely to use any analgesia or anesthesia

-33% less likely to be dissatisfied or negatively rate their birth experience.

What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?

 Doulas have no medical responsibilities but are trained to provide emotional support, physical comfort measures and informational resources for women in labor. Midwives are medically trained providers of clinical care for pregnant women and their babies.

Why would I have a doula if my loved one(s) will be at my birth?

Many people want their labor to be a private experience. Your doula is not there to replace your loved ones, who know you and love you better than anyone. For couples that want privacy and intimacy, sometimes a doula is the best way to ensure this. Research has shown that when a doula is present, there are fewer interruptions by medical staff and more involvement in the labor and birth by the partner. The doula can suggest position changes and other measures to reduce the laboring mother’s discomfort. She can also provide moral support to your loved ones. After all, it’s an emotional experience for them, too.

What if I want to get an epidural, can a doula still help me?

Absolutely! Even when the physical pain of labor is lessened, there are still emotional and informational needs that your doula can meet. Sometimes after her epidural is placed, a woman’s support team and nurse take a break. Your doula stays by your side; keeping you focused and helping you cope with any side effects from the medication.

What don’t doulas do? In other words, what is the scope of practice of a Doula?

This is an important question. I think that it is important for my clients to know that I am not attending their birth in a medical capacity, but rather I am there to care for their emotional and physical comfort needs. I do not make decisions for you. I will help you get the information necessary to make an informed decision. I will also remind you if there is a departure from your birth plan.

I do not perform clinical tasks such as blood pressure readings, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, and others. I am there to provide physical comfort, emotional support, and advocacy.

I do not speak to the staff on your behalf. I will discuss your concerns with you and help describe your options, but you or your partner will speak on your behalf to the clinical staff

How much do Birth Doulas usually cost?

Professionally trained Birth Doulas generally charge anywhere between $300 and $1800 per birth based on certification and experience. I tend to charge less because I believe that every woman who wants to have a Birth Doula should be able to.