A doula is a non-medical person that offers birth and postnatal support. A doula is chosen by the family and is therefore someone they feel aligned with. A doula offers continuity of care which is proven to improve birth outcomes and postnatal experiences . A doula is able to provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a family during pregnancy, labour, birth and once the baby is born. They help people make informed choices,  aid with pain relief techniques, and support birth partners. Doulas do not deliver babies or perform clinical tasks. ​A Postnatal doula provides support after birth, including baby care, safe sleep practices, feeding support, and assisting with household adjustment.

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Benefits of having birth doula:

More likely to have spontaneous vaginal births

Less likely to have any pain medication, epidurals, negative feelings about childbirth

Less likely to have vacuum or forceps-assisted births, and cesarean birth

Shorter labours

Baby/ies less likely to have low Apgar scores at birth (an Apgar score is a measure of a baby’s immediate health at birth)

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Benifits of having a postnatal doula:

Lower Rates of Postpartum Mood Disorders

Improved Breastfeeding / chestfeeding success

Enhanced Parental Confidence

Better Physical Recovery