What is a doula?

· A doula (doo-lah) is a professionally trained woman who is knowledgeable about pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.

· A doula works in cooperation with the mother’s “team,” including the doctors, nurses, midwives, partner and family. She

does not replace anyone else on the birth team.

· She is educated about the emotional and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and labor, and can inform you

when you make decisions about your birth.

· A doula believes that childbirth is a normal, healthy process for a woman’s body and seeks to preserve that process during labor.

· She is an advocate for you and your birth preferences. Anyone can use a doula, whether you want a natural birth, medical

interventions, or a cesarean.

Doulas deliver help for birthing moms

Read CNN’s article on the role of doulas in childbirth: http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/08/06/hm.doulas/index.html.