DOULA

Doulas are trained non-medical professionals who provide physical, emotional, and informational support to individuals before, during, and after childbirth. Unlike midwives or nurses, doulas do not perform clinical tasks such as exams or medication administration; instead, they focus on helping birthing persons feel informed, confident, and empowered throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journey. Doulas may work in homes, hospitals, or birthing centers, and often collaborate with healthcare providers to ensure that the person’s wishes and comfort are respected during labor and delivery. Their presence has been shown to reduce the need for medical interventions and improve birth outcomes.