• A midwife (or an OBGYN) is a trained medical professional that will perform clinical tasks and exams, administer medication, and give medical advice during your labor and birth. A doula is not a medical professional - doulas are trained in supporting a family emotionally, physically, and informationally. Doulas do not perform clinical tasks, or give medical advice, instead we adovcate for your birth wishes, help translate medical jargain, provide physical relaxation rtechniques, and share knowledge about newborn care. 

  • Absolutely! Many doulas would argue that the presence of a doula is even more crucial in the hospital environment. Doulas are trained to stay informaed and up to date on any number of medical interventions, so that we can provide you with the  potential risks and benefits, and support your right to informed consent. 

  • Absolutely not. Birth can be long and intense, and it helps to have two sets of hands dedicated to supporting the birthing person.  The partner and the doula can collaborate, providing different skillsets. 

  • Yes! Studies show that having 1:1 continuous labor support has led to 

    • 39% decrease in the risk of Cesarean

    • 15% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth

    • 10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief; 

    • Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average

    • 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five-minute Apgar score

    • 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience

  • Doulas support all kinds of births - unmedicated, medicated, and anywhere in between. 

  • Doulas support C-sections too! Depending on the hospital policy, a doula can even accompany you into the delivery room, and provide emotional and informational support to you while your baby is being delivered. Doulas can also provide information about the Cesarean healing process, and offer tips to keep you comfortable while bodyfeeding. 

  • The term doula comes from Greek, meaning 'woman who serves'. In ancient Greece, the doula would be a woman who came to the aid of a new mother, providing support in the household. She may have been a friend, family or community member. 

    Birth companions or attendants are not a new concept, and many birth support models can be seen in indigenous cultures, long  before the (largely white) 20th century movement to professionalize birthwork.

  • For birth doulas, there is usually a flat rate package for their services, which includes prenatal counseling, attendance of labor and birth, and postpartum visits. Postpartum doulas usually charge by the hour, sometimes with increased rates for overnight shifts or meal prep.

  • A nanny's only job is to care for the infant. A postpartum doula's job is to care for the family as a whole, with a focus on the birthing person's needs, and the needs of the newborn. Postpartum doulas do not provide childcare, though they can care for your baby while you care for yourself. They can also assist with housekeeping, creating a safe sleep environment for baby, feeding, postpartum nutrition and more.