Doulas are trained professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to families before, during and after childbirth to help achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible. 

What do Doulas do

 - provide emotional support 

- uses comfort measures: breathing, relaxation, movement, positioning

- Gives information 

- continuously reassures and comforts the mother and family

 - informs about various birth options 

- advocates for the mother and helps facilitate communication between mother and care provider.

 - looks after partner as well (washroom breaks, makes sure they eat, but their primary responsibility is to the mother.) 

Doulas do not 

-perform vaginal exams

-fetal heartbeat  

-do not give medical advice or diagnose conditions 

-they do not let their personal values or biases get in their way of caring for you 

- they do not judge you for your decisions you make