DOULA:
PRONOUNCED (DOO-LUH)
A doula is a person who supports another person’s transition through a major life experience.
WHAT DOES A DOULA DO?
- Recognizes birth as a key experience the birthing person will remember all their life
- Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a person in labor
- Assists the laboring person in preparing for and carrying out their plans for birth
- Stays with the laboring person throughout their labor experience
- Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, and an objective viewpoint
- Helps the laboring person get the information they need to make an informed decision
- Facilitates communication between the laboring person, their partner (if applicable) and their clinical care
- Perceives their role as nurturing and protecting the laboring person’s memory of the birth experience
- Allows the laboring person’s partner (if applicable) to participate at their comfort level
