Good Question!

The word comes from Ancient Greek and means female servant. In this modern context, a doula is a birthworker who supports you emotionally through pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period.

Midwives and doctors focus on the medical matters leaving a doula to focus entirely on your emotional wellbeing.

We work with you, your partner and your midwife to provide whatever form of support you and your family need.

A doula does not judge or expect anything of you - we are there to serve you.

A doula’s primary concern is the emotional well-being of the mother. Whereas a midwife is concerned with the medical health of the mother and baby.

A doula is like a trusted family member holding your hand and supporting you no matter where or how you give birth. It’s a new word for a very old tradition of experienced women attending the birth of a younger mother.

They can help you prepare for your birth mentally and teach your birth partner how to support you. They are by your side throughout your birth, no matter how long it takes, and they nurture you afterwards; cooking nourishing food, putting on a wash so you have clean pajamas, keeping an eye on older children whilst you nap - helping you in your transition into motherhood.

A doula works alongside a midwife and is not able to offer medical advice.

Only if that’s what both partners want!

Most often the Doula works alongside the birthing woman‘s partner to reassure them, remind them of things their birthing partner might need or want and allow them to take breaks knowing their birthing partner is being cared for.

A doula supports everyone in the birthing room - even offering energy balls to the midwife if the doula thinks they might need it!

The continuous physical, emotional, and informational support provided by Doulas has been proven to be one of the most risk-free and effective ways to create a more positive birth experience.

Working with Doulas also increases the likelihood of vaginal labor, while reducing the length of labor. Even complications for baby at birth are reduced, and women are less likely to have a Cesarean.

Find more information on the Evidence Based Birth Website.