A doula is a non-medical professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to individuals and families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. The doula’s role complements the medical team (doctors, midwives, and nurses) as well as any partner or family support a patient may have. They work together to ensure a positive and supported experience for the patient.

Doulas provide:

Emotional Support - Doulas offer a calm and reassuring presence. They help manage anxiety and stress and help the patient feel empowered and confident in their choices.
Physical Support - Doulas offer comfort measures to help with the physical challenges of labor and delivery.
Informational Support - A doulas’s role is not to make decisions for their patient, but to provide them with evidence-based information to make informed choices. They act as a resource and guide.
Advocacy - Doulas help the patient communicate effectively with the medical team, ensuring the patient’s voice is heard and respected and that the right to informed consent is upheld.

A doula does not perform clinical tasks such as: giving medical advice, performing clinical assessments or medical procedures, monitoring the patient’s or baby’s health, delivering the baby, or making medical decisions.