What is a Doula?

A Doula, meaning a women who mothers the mother, originally Greek for maid or servant, is a companion who provides people with continuous support during labour and birth. This includes both physical and emotional guidance and support for the birthing woman and their birth partner.

A Doula will work with the mother and partner during pregnancy to provide education and support and help to prepare them for labour and birth, also helping to relieve any stress and fear they might have. The Doula will be present to support them both in the early stages of labour, providing comfort measures to help enhance the labour process. They will ‘hold the space’ in the birth environment so the mother feels supported, empowered and in control of her birth. Doulas will support the transition into parenthood by spending time with mum and baby in the early days, giving breastfeeding support, providing meals, caring for baby while mum showers and naps, helping with household tasks, and caring for mum in anyway that makes those first few weeks easier while she rests and recovers.

Evidence shows that with the continuity of care that Doulas provide, women are more likely to have a vaginal birth, less likely to have pain medication, there are less cesareans, labours are shorter and overall the mother is more likely to have a positive birthing experience.

A Doula will support all women however they choose to birth, providing the support needed so women walk away feeling positive and empowered.