The word "doula" comes from a greek word meaning "female slave or servant." In the modern context, a Birth Doula is a woman professionally trained in labor support with the experience and skill set to support women and their partners throughout pregnancy, labor and delivery and the early postpartum time. Studies have shown that having a doula as a member of the birth team decreases the overall cesarean rate by 50%, the length of labor by 25%, the use of oxytocin by 40%, and requests for an epidural by 60%.

A birth doula is not a medical professional and does not provide any medical care.  Although doulas are knowledgable about the birth process and medical interventions, our roles during birth are different than medical staff. Your doula will provide non-medical support to mother and father throughout the entire pregnancy and works only for you, not for a hospital or medical office. Whereas your nurse, midwife or doctor may be caring for many patients and be unable to give you his or her undivided attention.