What Is a Birth Doula?

The word doula comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves.” Today, a doula is a trained and experienced professional who provides non-medical, continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a mother before, during, and shortly after birth.

In my work with families, I see the doula’s role as one of steady presence and gentle guidance. A doula does not replace medical care, but works alongside it—helping families feel informed, supported, and confident as they move through the birthing journey.

Every birth is unique. Some mothers plan for an unmedicated birth, others choose pain relief such as an epidural, and for some families a cesarean birth becomes medically necessary. A doula’s support adapts to each situation, honoring a family’s preferences and helping them feel empowered in the choices they make for their baby’s birth.

Above all, a doula supports rather than directs. My role is to help mothers and families advocate for themselves, understand their options, and experience birth feeling respected, calm, and cared for.

Research consistently shows that having a doula present during birth is associated with shorter labors, fewer interventions, and improved outcomes for both mother and baby. Families supported by doulas often experience healthier births, an easier start to breastfeeding, and a more positive overall birth experience.

A doula’s support also extends to fathers. During labor and birth, I help dads feel confident, informed, and involved—offering reassurance and practical support so they can remain present, connected, and supportive without feeling overwhelmed or unsure of what to do.

Clinical studies show that doula support during labor is associated with:

• Shorter labors with fewer complications

• Greater satisfaction and fewer negative feelings about the birth experience

• Reduced use of labor-inducing medications, forceps, vacuum extraction, and cesarean births

• Decreased reliance on pain medications and epidurals