A doula is an experienced woman who will provide practical and emotional support for the mother and her family, really "mothering the mother."

Your birth doula will provide you with information and encourage you to make choices so that you can have the birth that you want. She can help draft your birth plan and support you in those choices. She will be with you throughout labour however long to encourage and support you. She will also be able to help your partner to participate to a level that is comfortable for them. Your doula will stay with you after the birth to make sure you and baby are settled. Doulas do not take on a medical roll, their responsibility is purely your wishes.

Your postnatal doulas' role can vary widely, she will provide emotional and moral support helping you with the tasks you most need. Practical help with light housework, laundry, shopping and older children also helping out with baby. It is important that you can have some rest time. Your doula can be with you for a few hours a day for maybe a couple of weeks or longer, everyones needs vary.
It is important that you like and trust your doula as you will spend quite alot of time with her.

Why hire a Doula?
We all need a little help and support from time to time, having a new baby is the greatest thing we will ever do. Help yourself from the beginning and hire a Doula.

Research has shown that having a doula present at a birth :

(Findings taken from "Mothering the Mother" by Klaus, Kennell & Klaus, 1993)

Here are some vital statistics: