What is a Doula?

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A doula (sometimes referred to as a birth assistant) is someone who provides practical and emotional support to a woman or couple before, during and after their baby is born. Doulas are not the same as midwives. They are knowledgeable about female physiology; however, the services they provide are non-medical. Doulas often inform their clients about alternatives to mainstream prenatal care and options regarding childbirth, so that they can make informed decisions. If you are not comfortable with your doula, you have the right to look for another one.

The following is a list of common tasks a doula may perform:

Doulas often meet with the woman (or the couple) a few times before childbirth
During labour, the doula is there to support and care for the woman/couple, and may make suggestions regarding breathing techniques, relaxation, and/or positioning.
When working with a couple, a doula may help the partner who is not pregnant to care for and support the pregnant woman by giving suggestions, providing encouragement, and ensuring that the partner is taking care of his/her self. A doula can help the partner to be more involved and more effective as a birthing partner or coach.
A doula usually acts as an educator about labour and delivery, an advocate for the woman or the couple while in hospital, and they may also act as a liaison with medical staff.
After childbirth the doula may work with the woman or couple to help her/them to adjust to having a new baby.

Why is there a need for doulas?

Before childbirth, some women find it helpful to have a doula so that they can learn more about pregnancy and the birthing process and ask questions where necessary. If the woman gives birth in a hospital, there are a few things to consider. The nurses are often very supportive during childbirth; however, it is likely that they will have other patients. They may be focused on the physical aspects of the birthing process as opposed to being an emotional support. They may change shifts throughout the course of the labour. As such, many women find that having a doula is helpful because the doula remains with them throughout the entire process. Having a doula available after the baby is born can also be helpful when the woman or couple has questions.

Questions to ask when interviewing a doula

The following questions will help you decide if a particular doula is right for you.

What training have you had? (If a doula is certified, you can check with the certifying organization)
Do you have one or more backup doulas for times when you are not available? Can I meet them?
What is your fee, what does it include, what are your refund policies?
Can you provide references?
How many clients have you had?
What is the range of situations that you've worked with?

When interviewing a birth doula:

Tell me about you philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labor
May we meet to discuss our birth plan and the role you will play in supporting me through child birth?
May I call you with questions or concerns before and after the birth?
When do you try to join women in labor? Do you come to our home or meet us at the place of birth?
Will we meet after the birth to review the labor and answer questions?

When interviewing a postpartum doula:

Tell me about your experience as a postpartum doula
What is your philosophy about parenting and supporting women and their families postpartum?
May we meet to discuss our needs and the role you will play?
What types of services do you offer?
When do your services begin postpartum?
What is your experience in breast feeding support?
Have you had a recent TB test?
Do you have current CPR certification?

You may want to interview more than one doula to find the right one for you.

Where to find a doula?

To find a doula near you, use the DONA International doula listing or visit the Doula C.A.R.E.

Some of the information for this resource was retrieved from the Non-Profit Association of Doulas in the UK and DONA International.

Updated May 8, 2008