"Given the clear benefits and no known risks associated with the intrapartum support, every effort should be made to ensure that all labouring women receive support, not only from those close to but also forum specially trained caregivers. This support should include continuous presence, the provisions of hands-on comfort and encouragement."

The Cochrane Collaboration's Pregnancy and Childbirth Group in Oxford, England

Breakdown of Do's and Don'ts:

Does provide continuous support

Does provide suggestions on positions and other natural pain management techniques.

Does provide support for partner

Does provide suggestions for partner to help with support of laboring mom

Does help with early breastfeeding support

Does advocate for the laboring women.

Does not perform any clinical tasks, for example; fetal heart tone, blood pressure monitoring, or cervical exams.

Does not make decisions for mom, only gives information so mom can make informed decisions

Does not push own thoughts and philosophies onto the laboring mom, doula only advocates mother's wishes and wants

A Birth Doula.....

• Recognizes childbirth as a key life experience that the mother will always remember...
• Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor...
• Stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor...
• Provides emotional support, physical comfort, and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make her decisions...
• Perceives her role as one who is nurturing and protecting the women's memory of her birth experience...

A doula completes the picture of the birth team. A doula does not replace any other member(s) of the birth team. She only offers non-medical support for the mother and partner as they take on this new and exciting role as parents!