Got a Doula?

A doula is a professional labor assistant who provides physical and emotional support to you and your partner during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.

For instance, a doula might offer:

Attention to physical comfort through techniques such as touch and massage and assistance with breathing

• Emotional reassurance, comfort and encouragement

• Information about what's happening during labor and the postpartum period, including explanations of procedures

• Help with facilitating communication between you and the hospital staff

• Guidance and support for loved ones

• Assistance with breast-feeding

Often, however, a doula's most important role is to provide continuous support during labor and delivery. Some studies have shown that continuous support from doulas during childbirth might be associated with:

• A decreased use of pain relief medication during labor

• A decreased incidence of C-sections

• A decrease in the length of labor

• A decrease in negative childbirth experiences

  Source: Mayo Clinic: Labor and Delivery, Postpartum Care