Foundations of Doula Work

A doula is a non-clinical support person who attends a birthing family during the birth process, and may also provide support and informational services during pregnancy and in the early postpartum period.

A doula provides both physical and emotional support not only to the birthing client, but also to the partner or family members who are also present. This can include labor support techniques such as movements, positions, and non-pharmaceutical pain relief techniques, and may also include nurturing such as hydration, giving family members a break from labor support, helping the client with self-care, reassurance and encouragement, and much more. 

A doula also provides unbiased informational support such as translating medical terms into lay terms, reminding the client of options and choices, encouraging the client to ask questions and be assertive about needs, emphasizing the importance of informed decision making within the comfort level of the client, and providing evidence based resources and appropriate referrals as needed or desired by the client. 

Over twenty years of research focused on doula work has shown conclusively the effectiveness and benefit of doula care. outcomes are improved, risks to mother and baby are reduced, and multiple benefits to the entire family and even the birth team and birth site have been demonstrated. 

From Purely Doula By Ana M. Hill