"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel."
- Maya Angelou
dou·la \ ˈdü-lə\
A Doula is a professional trained in childbirth whose provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother who is expecting, is experiencing labor, or has recently given birth. Her sole purpose is to help women have a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience.
WHAT A DOULA IS NOT...
A Doula is not a medical professional although she has lots of experience with childbirth. She does not do diagnostic testing nor give medical advice but educates and empowers you to understand and make your own choices, keeping your birth preferences in mind.
A Doula and an Obstetrician or Midwife offer different types of services, even though both may support the childbirth experience. Obstetricians and Midwives have medical training and during the birth process, focus on delivering a healthy baby. Doulas, on the other hand, focus on the needs of the mother (and partner, if present) offering mental, physical, and emotional support.
Photo courtesy of Ana Gaxiola Photography
A Doula absolutely does not replace the presence of the laboring moms partner and/or support person(s). She becomes an integral part of your birth team and will support each person in their own role.