What is a doula and why might one be helpful?

Historically, a doula was anyone who the mother or birthing person trusted to offer emotional, physical, and mental support throughout pregnancy, labor, the birth, and postpartum. Today, doulas encompass that and more, offering language for families to advocate and navigate in the birth space, resources for perinatal education, and a listening ear to walk alongside families through these early stages of the next chapter. Where a physician, midwife, nurse, or other medical professional's job is to care for you medically, a doula's sole purpose is to cater your emotional needs as the mother or birthing person. Studies show that having a doula present for continuous labor support helps reduces the use of pain medication and interventions such as cesareans and epidurals, increases oxytocin, and reduces the effects of medicalized environments. This can ultimately lead to more spontaneous physiological birth and positive outcomes. 
 
Source: Evidence Based Birth, Evidence on: Doulas, 2024