A doula is a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical and informational support to a woman during the birth of her child. A doula is advocate for the birthing mother to help her achieve the birthing experience that she desires. The doulas role is help women have a safe, memorable and empowering birthing experience.

Although this article is speaking to about the labor doula; there are also antepartum and postpartum Doulas which offer additional supportive roles before or after the birthing experience.

How does a doula help?

Although a doula does not provide any type of medical care; they are trained professionals that provide physical, emotional and mental support increasing the probability of a positive birthing experience. Additionally, doulas are educated about the medical aspects of labor and birth so they can help you develop a better understanding of the birthing process, possible complications, and any procedures necessary to facilitate the birth.

A doula is normally present throughout the labor and birthing process providing you with comfort through your labor pains by using relief techniques, such as breathing, relaxing, massage and laboring positions. A doula works with your partner and serves as an additional support accompanied by professional care. The goal of a doula is to help your have a positive and safe birth experience no matter what the circumstances.

How does a doula help me reduce my prenatal care expenses?

A doula does not reduce your expenses, but that provide you with a better birthing experience. The good news is that women who are being trained or becoming a doula have to provided doula services from an intern perspective. In most cases, these doula services are provided for free. It is quite possible that you can locate one of these in-training Doulas by contacting a local birth center, Doulas of North America, or CAPPA.

For more information on Doulas or pregnancy, please visit the American Pregnancy Association.