What is a doula?

 "Doula" refers to a supportive companion (other than a friend or loved one) who is professionally trained to provide labor support.  She performs no clinical tasks. "Doula" also refers to lay women who are trained or experienced in providing postpartum care - mother and newborn care, breastfeeding support and advice, cooking, child care, errands, and light cleaning - for the family.  To distinguish between the two types of doulas, one may refer to "birth doulas" and "postpartum doulas".   A doula provides: physical, emotional, and informational support to women and their partners during labor and birth, help and advice on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, massage and positioning; assistance to families in gathering information about the course of their labor and their options; continuous emotional reassurance and comfort; non-medical skills such as massage and other non-pharmacological pain relief measures assistance to partners who want to play an active support role help so the woman has a safe and satisfying childbirth as the woman defines it.  

Where can I find a doula?  
Places you can try to find a doula:  Doulas of North America organizations dealing with childbirth your birth place (hospital or birth center) your childbirth educator your care provider lactation consultants La Leche League members anyone who has recently had a baby or works in the field 

Questions to ask a prospective doula: 

• What training have you had?
• Tell me (us) about your experience with birth, personally and as a doula.
• What is your philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labor?
• May we meet with you to discuss our birth plans and the role you will play in supporting me (us) through childbirth? 
• May we call you with questions or concerns before and after the birth? 
• What care providers have you worked with? In what hospitals have you attended births?  
• When do you try to join women in labor?  
• Do you come to our home or meet us at the hospital?  
• Do you meet with me (us) after the birth to review the labor and answer questions?  
• Do you work with one or more backup doulas (for times when you are not available)?  
• May we meet them?  
• What is your fee?  
• Is any part of your fee refundable if you do not attend the birth? 
• Can you provide references?  (Be sure to check the references.)  When you meet the doula (and it is a good idea for both you and your partner to meet her), pay particular attention to your personal perceptions of the doula. Is she kind, warm and enthusiastic?  Is she knowledgeable?  Does she communicate well?  Is she a good listener?  Is she comfortable with your choices or does she seem to have her own agenda?  Do you feel comfortable with her?  You may want to interview more than one doula and make a comparison to help you find a doula who is right for you.

We gratefully acknowledge the Doulas of North America for this information.  For more information see their website at  www.dona.com