What Is a Doula?

A doula 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 making 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.

Recommended Reading

  • "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" by Ina May Gaskin
  • "The Complete Organic Pregnancy" by Deirdre Dolan and Alexandra Zissu
  • "Husband-Coached Childbirth" by Robert A. Bradley, MD
  • "The Birth Partner" by Penny Simkin
  • "The Doula Book" ("Mothering the Mother" - older verision) by Marshall & Phyllis Klaus
  • "Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn" by Penny Simkin
  • "Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year" by Susun Weed
  • "The Natural Pregnancy Book" by Aviva Jill Romm
  • "The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth" by Sheila Kitzinger
  • "Obstretric Myths Versus Research Realities" by Henci Goer
  • "Your Amazing Newborn" by Marshall H. Klaus and Phyllis H. Klaus
  • "Vaccinations - A Thoughtful Parent's Guide" by Aviva Jill Romm
  • "Father's First Steps" by Robert Sears, MD and James Sears, MD