What is a birth doula?
"A trained professional who provides non-judgmental support of a family's choices during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period"
The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek, meaning "a woman who serves". It is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to before, during, and just after birth.
Experienced Support:
Doulas are not doctors or midwives, and do not practice medicine, nor diagnose and treat pregnancy or postpartum related symptoms. A birth doula does not perform any clinical tasks such as heart rate or blood pressure checks or vaginal exams. These things are better left to your chosen medical care provider. In addition, doulas do not make specific health claims or promise medical results. We provide education and guidance, pregnancy, labor, postpartum, and breastfeeding support.