In ancient Greece a doula was a woman who served.  Today it refers to trained women who support mothers before, during and after childbirth.

This support can come in the form of information, physical and emotional support during the prenatal, post partum, and labor/delivery periods. Some doulas specialize in one of these areas, while others are willing to provide a wide variety of services.

A birth doula or labor assistant is trained to help mothers by: 

• recognizing birth to be one of her most important life events
• providing continuous labor support at home and in the hospital/birthing center
• being an experienced liaison with medical staff  
• accessing information she desires to make informed decisions
• helping their partners to participate fully and confidently
• providing immediate breastfeeding support and postpartum care

Research evidence shows that women using a birth doula/labor assistant experience:

• fewer cesarean sections
• shorter labors
• decrease in use of pain medications and epidurals
• better mother-baby bonding
• easier breastfeeding

A post partum doula is trained to help mothers and newborns by 

• providing a non judgemental ear of understanding and companionship
• partnering on household chores
• assisting with light meal preparation
• providing newborn care and advice
• assisting with breastfeeding

Research evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum doula can:

• ease the family transition that comes with a newborn
• improve maternal satisfaction 
• reduce the risk of mood disorders