Who is a doula?

A doula — a family and birth supporter — helps create a positive experience of pregnancy and birth, supporting the readiness of the mother, father and baby for the birth. Birth support includes physical, emotional and informational support.

The cooperation between a doula and an expecting woman begins already before the birth — it is important to take time and prepare both physically and mentally so that the birth can unfold as planned. Because every pregnancy and birth is unique and different, support is needed not only by first-time mothers but also by women who have given birth before.

It is very important that the mother is relaxed and calm at the birth, trusting the strength of her body and her intuition. The doula is dedicated to making sure that the mother, the baby and everyone else present at the birth (at a home birth also older children and other family members) feel as good and safe as possible. If the birth takes place in a hospital, the doula also keeps an eye on the birth plan being followed, so that everything unfolds just as the woman wished. Statistics show that births where a doula is also present are shorter and families are more satisfied with the birth experience.

The birth supporter is there for the family also after the baby arrives, staying with the woman after the birth and visiting the family in the postpartum period as well. Various studies show that women who use a doula's help during pregnancy and birth experience less postpartum depression.