What is a doula?

“a person, usually a woman, who is not medically trained but who gives help and support to a woman during pregnancy and during and after the birth of her baby.”

-Cambridge Dictionary

A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous support to individuals during pregnancy, labour, birth, and the postpartum period. Doulas offer emotional, physical, spiritual and informational assistance, helping to create a space where a woman feels supported and confident to make informed decisions that align with her values and beliefs.

Doulas do not provide medical care and work with the pregnant woman to support her to ensure that she feels safe and supported throughout her experience. Their role is centered around helping the woman tap into her instincts to advocate for her experience, providing education, and emotional reassurance, promoting a nurturing and informed space for pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.”

–John H. Kennell, MD.