A doula is a woman who is trained to provide physical, emotional, and informational support
to mothers-to-be and their partners before, during labour and birth, and postpartum.
Doulas work alongside physicians, midwives, nurses, and birth partners, and are endorsed by
the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Experienced, certified doulas are considered
part of the obstetric team, as they help couples minimize obstetrical intervention through
informational and emotional support, and maximize each couples’ satisfaction with their birth experiences.
A knowledgeable doula can do a great deal to provide pregnant women and their partners with
information and practical alternatives so that they may give birth with confidence, strength
and joy. Labouring women who feel confident are much more likely to achieve satisfying
outcomes than are women without positive encouragement. The acceptance of doulas in maternity
care is growing rapidly with the recognition of their important contribution to the improved
physical outcomes and emotional well-being of mothers and infants.
A doula does not replace the partner’s role at your birth. She complements the partner's role
and strengthens it. During a birth, a doula can reach out to both the labouring woman and the
partner, thus decreasing anxiety and restoring confidence. Partners with the support of the
Doula, should be able to participate at any level that feels right and natural for them. A
doula can actually bring a couple closer together. By assuring that the partner's needs are
met (food, drinks and emotional support) only then can they give the mother their full attention.
Partners often become overwhelmed and easily frustrated when the simple comfort measures taught
to them don't work. A Doula can help offer the right suggestion at the appropriated time,
helping the partner use his (or her) support skills better.
Doulas do not provide clinical tasks. Non-medical skills include explanations of medical procedures,
24 hour informational support during pregnancy and postpartum, positioning suggestions during labour
and birth, massage and other non-pharmacological pain relief measures, reassurance, help with
breastfeeding preparation and beginnings, and most importantly, a constant nurturing, helpful and
objective support as well as first-hand knowledge and understanding of what the labouring mother is
going through. This benefits both the mother and father/partner-to-be.
Both midwives and doulas attend home births. However, doulas typically work with couples having a hospital birth.
Contrary to popular belief, the doula-assisted birth is even more intimate. You will have spent many
hours getting to know your doula during prenatal visits, and on an on-call basis with weekly
communication during the last month of your pregnancy.
The emotional bond and sense of connection between mother and partner is important. Doulas know
to stay in the background when the couple is doing well, and when to jump in and offer guidance
or support, such as position changes and breathing variations, as labour progresses.
Unfortunately, there have been nursing cutbacks in our medical system. The result of this is
that nurses often have more than one couple under their care, and how busy the Maternity Unit
will be at any given hour is very unpredictable.
While the doula is not a nurse, she is a constant presence when medical professionals leave the
birthing room. She is a trained childbirth professional who understands the labour and birth
process. When a labouring woman feels safe and secure, is constantly reassured and is less
frightened, labour progresses. Oftentimes, obstetrical interventions are minimized so that the
mother can trust and allow her body to give birth, all the while feeling safe and secure.
