What is a doula?

Many people often wonder what a doula is. Doula is a Greek word for a "woman who serves". The ancient Greek meaning translates to female servant or female slave but that is not correct connotation for the selfless role women take on to serve a mother who has a need. The 4 pillars of what a doula does includes: - physical support - emotional support - informational support - advocacy Doulas do NOT MAKE medical decisions--we educate mothers with our vast knowledge of the labor and delivery and obstetrics world so they can be empowered to advocate for themselves. Research has shown that having a Birth doula leads to more positive birth experiences and less traumatic birth experiences as noted by the American Pregnancy Association. Furthermore, Caesarean section rates are often lower when a doula is present to help a mother labor naturally without having to be induced with Pitocin or be pressured to be induced. Doulas can assist in ANY birth setting whether it be a home or hospital even though the perception is that most doulas attend home births. Being a doula is the most exhilarating experience that one can embark on and it is a honor to be able to serve other women and empower them.