dou·la

\ ˈdü-lə ⁄

noun & verb

A doula supports any person or family through a transformative life event.

Doulas are an individualized and consistent caregiver for you & yours, something that is gravely important for quality reproductive care.

“People who received continuous support [by doulas] were more likely to have spontaneous vaginal births and less likely to have any pain medication, epidurals, negative feelings about childbirth, vacuum or forceps-assisted births, and cesareans” (Bohren et al., 2017).

A birth doula assists a birthing person both before and during their labor— no matter where they are planning to deliver their child. A birth doula also understands the physical and emotional processes of a person in labor. We help the laboring person navigate their birthing preferences and assist in carrying those preferences out during labor. Along with this, we provide physical, emotional, and informational support both before, during, and after labor. We aid in the birthing person getting the information they need in order to make informed decisions and aid in the communication between the birthing person and their support team. 

The most important thing to do while searching for your birth and/or postpartum doula is to find the person who is right for you. Try interviewing a couple doulas to get a feel for which one you (& your partner(s) if applicable) connect to the most. I want you to feel excited about being with the doula you choose! Your birthing experience is your experience, so let it be exactly what you need it to be & trust your instincts.