The dictionary defines a doula as “a woman who assists another woman during labor and provides support to her, the infant, and the family after childbirth.” But what do they do exactly?

DONA International, an organization dedicated to educating families about what doulas do and how they can benefit a woman during labor, and also to helping families locate a doula in their area, says that a doula is present during labor and delivery to “mother the mother”.

A doula is present during labor to help the mother with her emotional needs. She is usually a mother herself, having gone through labor and delivery at least once on her own; she is familiar with what a woman goes through at the various stages of labor and delivery. The doula’s job is to make sure the mother is ok during the delivery and her needs are being met. Another role of the doula is to give suggestions to the partner of things they can do to make their spouse more comfortable and other coaching techniques.

Doulas not only provide support during labor and delivery, they are also available to assist the family once they bring their newborn home. They are available to teach parents how to care for their newborn, and give advice on how to survive the first few weeks of being a new parent.

Doulas do receive training and often attend certification programs in order to learn more about the birthing process and what their role should be. Organizations like DONA International provide families with information on how they can find a certified doula in their area.

The question of whether a woman should hire a doula is a personal one. Whether a doula fits into your plan for your child’s birth and what it is you are looking for out of your delivery is only something you can answer. A good idea if you are considering having a doula present during your birth is to educate yourself on what a doula does, what role they will play in the labor, delivery, and the days after the birth, what your spouse’s thoughts and feelings are about having a doula. It also wouldn’t hurt to talk to other women who have utilized a doula to get their opinions.

Here are a few websites that can provide you with more information regarding doulas.

• DONA International
• Doula World
• Childbirth.org