What is a doula

and why are they an important addition to your birthing team?

what doulas offer

  • Emotional support

    Doulas provide continuous emotional support, helping to alleviate fears, reduce anxiety, and encourage a positive mindset during labor and delivery.

  • Physical Comfort

    They offer comfort measures such as massages, breathing techniques, and positioning suggestions to help manage pain and discomfort during labor.

  • Advocacy

    Doulas act as advocates for the birthing person, ensuring their wishes and preferences are respected. They help facilitate communication between the birthing person and medical staff.

  • Educational Resources

    Doulas provide valuable information and resources about labor, delivery, and postpartum care, empowering families to make informed decisions.

  • Shorter Labor Duration

    Studies indicate that the presence of a doula can lead to shorter labors and reduced need for interventions, contributing to a more natural birth experience.

  • Continued Support Postpartum

    Many doulas also offer postpartum support, helping families adjust to life with a newborn by providing guidance on feeding, infant care, and emotional well-being.

  • Personalized Care

    Every birth is unique, and doulas tailor their support to meet the individual needs and preferences of the birthing person, which can enhance the overall experience.

  • Companionship

    A doula provides companionship, ensuring that the birthing person never feels alone. Their presence creates a calming atmosphere.

  • Increased Satisfaction

    Research shows that having a doula is associated with higher overall satisfaction with the birth experience, leading to a more positive memory of the event.


essentially, a doula is

an invaluable support partner who enhances the labor and delivery process, empowering individuals and families to navigate childbirth with confidence and comfort.

benefits of a doula

  • 31% Decrease

    in the use of Pitocin to induce or augment labor

  • 28% decrease

    in the risk of Cesarean birth

  • 9% decrease

    in the use of any medication for pain relief

  • 14% decrease

    in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery

  • 34% decrease

    in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience

  • 12% increase

    in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth

Source http://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/