There is also some evidence that doula support improves both the experience of giving birth, and your baby's health and wellbeing shortly after birth. Doulas can even help reduce the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight in some cases. Some people simply want someone around who they know and trust during labour.

The definition of a doula is a person trained to advise, inform, and offer emotional and physical comfort to a mother before, during, and after the birth of her child. The word doula comes from the Greek word doulē, the meaning of which translates to female helper or maidservant.

Your doula will meet with you in your initial consult, have two prenatal visits with you, check on you at least once per week, and make sure there is a friendly repour before delivery! You should feel as if a lifelong friend is stepping into your birth room.

A doula is a person who supports women through labour and birth, and/or after she has her baby (Mander, 2008; Doula UK, 2018).