Doulas save lives.

 When it comes to childbirth, having extra physical and emotional support might be something you find useful. During pregnancy, some moms-to-be hire a specially trained birthing coach, called a doula for extra assistance before, during and/or after birth. Of course, you don't have to have a doula. The choice is entirely yours. To help you think it through, read on to learn more about what a doula does, what the benefits might be, and what questions to ask when hiring a doula.

What Is a Doula?

The definition of a doula is a person trained to advise, inform, and offer emotional and physical comfort to a mother before, during, and after the birth of her child. The word doula comes from the Greek word doulē, the meaning of which translates to female helper or maidservant. Of course, the doula you hire is definitely not a servant, and may or may not be female, but the doula is in effect your helper.

It's worth noting that a doula is not a trained medical professional. She does not replace your healthcare provider. However, she can offer care and support that a provider cannot, which we explain in this article.

What Does a Doula Do?

The best way to understand the job of a doula is to know the different types of support they can provide. A doula isn't limited to just helping you during labor and the birth of your baby. She can lend advice during your pregnancy, and she can continue to mentor you after your baby is born. It's up to you how and when you would like to utilize your doula's expertise.

These are some examples of the support doulas can provide:

  • Physical comfort. She can provide a gentle touch or a massage during labor, or even just hold your hand. She can also help you use breathing techniques.

  • Emotional support. Whether you need reassurance, comfort, or encouragement, she can provide it. She's also there to just listen, if that's what you need.

  • Information. A doula's experience comes in handy when you need information about what happens during labor, explanations of certain procedures, and what to look forward to in the postpartum period.

  • Communication. She can serve as a liaison between you (and your family) and the hospital staff. Sometimes it may be difficult for your family members to communicate with your doctor during your labor. Whereas your doula can serve as the point person, and help ease your family's nerves while relaying information about you and your baby's condition.

  • Guidance. A doula can also provide support to your partner and loved ones when needed. Whether you have a nervous father on hand, or an anxious mother, your doula can help them in an emotional capacity, too.

  • Assistance with feeding your baby. If you've chosen to breastfeed your baby, a doula can help you navigate the challenges of breastfeeding, including breast discomfort (for example, if you get the breast infection mastitis), getting your baby to latch, and finding comfortable breastfeeding positions. A doula can also answer your questions if you're using formula. For example, when and how much to give.

  • Assistance with caring for your baby. If you'd like it, a doula can also help show you things like how to give your baby her first bath, how to soothe your baby if she's fussy, how to care for your baby's umbilical cord stump, and much more.

Benefits of Having a Doula

Some studies show that the emotional support of a doula can result in a more positive labor and postpartum experience for some moms-to-be. For example: