Doula
A doula is a trained, non-medical professional that supports the birthing parent and supportive network before, during, and after childbirth. This support can be physical, emotional, and educational. Doulas can help families develop birth plans to explore the many options for childbirth. They can be advocates on behalf of the birthing person to make sure the parent’s voice is heard.
...that birthing people who have doulas at their births are less likely to experience complications during birth?
Types of Doulas
Birth Doula
Supports birthing person during labor and birth. May be referred to as a labor doula.
Postpartum Doula
Trained in providing support after birth.
Anterpartum Doula
Specializes in supporting high risk pregnancies and birthing persons and babies with medical conditions.
Pregnancy & Infant Loss Doula
Trained to support families during pregnancy or infant loss.
Full Spectrum Doula
Provides support across all pregnancy outcomes–adoption, abortion, miscarriage and stillbirth, and surrogacy.
What are the benefits of working with a doula?
- Advocate for the birthing person to the health care team
- Assist with planning, including developing a birth plan
- Emotional support
- Physical support through labor, including pain management techniques
- Supports partner and the family
- Some doulas may even do light cleaning and meal prep
- Lactation education and support
- Reduced likelihood of cesarean birth
- Improved labor and delivery outcomes
You are your best advocate, but a doula can advocate for you too! Here’s what advocacy looks like:
- Finding out what Mom wants.
- Supporting the woman and their support networking their preference and decisions.
- Facilitating open communication between parents and the healthcare team.
- Encourage asking questions.
Learn more about our community.
Learn more about Doulas and what they can offer.
Learn more about Midwifes and what they can offer.
Learn more about Lactation Professionals and what they can offer.