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A Birth Doula . . .
Recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life.
Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor.
Assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth.
Stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor.
Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint, and assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make informed decisions.
Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner, and clinical care providers.
Perceives her role as one who nurtures and protects the woman's memory of her birth experience.
Is trained in helping mothers with breastfeeding in the postpartum period, giving them confidence to continue breastfeeding.
A Birth Doula Will Not . . .
Take the place of the Dad. The doula supports both parents and remains flexible to what they need and feel comfortable with.
Perform clinical tasks, such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, and others.
Make decisions for her client or speak on her behalf. She will, however, help her get the information necessary to make an informed choice.
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