A doula can be thought of as a birth sister or birth helper. A doula will provide emotional and physical support throughout a woman’s entire pregnancy and into her post partum period. Although not necessarily a medical professional, a doula is often a mother herself and has experience with the entire birth process and labor and delivery settings. Licensed doulas from various professional organizations will have assisted and participated in numerous births before assisting their own clients.

Numerous studies have been done demonstrating the positive effects of having a doula on mothers and babies. A large study, published in JAMA, conducted in 1991 in Houston showed shorter labors and a decrease in the rate of C sections and use of forceps in mother’s with doulas (JAMA. 1991 May 1;265(17):2197-201).

A doula is part of the support network for the mother and her family, and partner. Understanding the needs of the mother and her family a doula will communicate these needs to the hospital or birthing center staff. A doula is also able to provide educated and objective support to the woman, allowing her to make informed decisions. Doulas are becoming more and more common in maternity care, and a doula’s role in helping to provide a calming and relaxing environment is being attributed to the improved physical outcomes and emotional well-being of mothers and infants.

In addition, a doula may assist the mother by preparing a birth plan and seeing that the birth plan is followed. Each doula has different attributes and styles of providing service to the mother, but overall the goal of each doula is to nuture and protect the woman and to ensure a positive memory of the birth experience.