Definition: The word “doula” comes from Ancient Greek and is now used to refer to a woman who helps other women. It has been applied to childbirth to refer to “a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and just after childbirth.” (Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus, in Mothering the Mother)
A birth doula:
-recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life.
 
-understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor.
 
-assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth.
 
-stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor.
 
-provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint, and assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make good decisions.
 
-facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner, and clinical care providers.
 
-perceives her role as one who nurtures and protects the woman’s memory of her birth experience.

The acceptance of Doulas in maternity care (hospitals, birth centers, esp) is growing rapidly with the recognition of their important contribution to the improved physical outcomes and emotional well-being of mothers and infants.

 
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