What is a doula? What can a doula do for you? These are some of the first questions that many doula services are asked, and we’re happy to answer them.

Doulas have been serving women in childbirth for many centuries, and while the practice of having doulas in the United States was less common for sometime, it has recently been seeing a resurgence. The doula works for YOU, the mother, to help the mother craft a detailed birth plan, to assist with emotional, physical, and mental support, and to be on-call when the big day finally arrives.

The word “doula” is from ancient Greek, and means “a woman who serves.” In the contemporary age, a doula is a trained female professional who provides support to the mother before, during, and after pregnancy/childbirth.

Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.

– DONA International, “What is a Doula?”