What’s a doula? What do – and don’t – they do during childbirth?

By Hannah Dahlen, Professor of Midwifery, Associate Dean Research and HDR, Midwifery Discipline Leader, Western Sydney University

A birth doula is a support person a woman can privately hire during pregnancy. They usually attend the birth and provide non-clinical comfort measures such as massage, assistance getting into different birth positions, and emotional reassurance.

While most doulas provide support during labour, some also – or only – provide support in the days and weeks afterwards.

Doulas also support the partner. They ensure the partner is informed and involved in the birth, while busy clinicians are…

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