A doula is a trained professional that provides support to the mother before, during, and after birth. The word “doula” is an ancient Greek word meaning “woman who serves.” There are two kinds of doulas: birth doulas, who assist mothers in preparing for and carrying out their birth plans, providing support and comfort during the labor process, and postpartum doulas, who assist with newborn care, family adjustment, and sometimes light meal preparation and household work.

A doula can provide everything from emotional support and advice during pregnancy to easy explanations of medical procedures and interventions. Doulas are often trained in massage and other non-pharmaceutical methods of pain relief. The presence of a doula can help facilitate communication between all the members of the birth team, acting as an advocate for the mother to ensure that her birth plan is carried out to the best of the team’s abilities. The doula can also help mothers prepare to breastfeed after the birth.

Several studies have shown that the presence of a doula can offer many benefits to both the mothers and children they assist, including lower use of pain relief medications, lower durations of labor, and lower rates of caesarian sections.

Celebrities who have used doulas include Demi Moore, Nicole Kidman, and Kelly Ripa.