A
Greek term for
slave or
servant.
Acting in a role similar to that of a midwife but without the medical training, doulas provide mental, emotional, and physical support during pregnancy, labor, and birth. The only requirement to be a doula is that you have a desire to help birthing women and their families.
A doula can also provide explanation of medical procedures, and give exercise and diet suggestions to make one's pregnancy more comfortable. They can act as a labor coach, help adjust positioning to ease birthing, and can provide instruction to a mother about breastfeeding once the baby is born.