A doula is a woman experienced in childbirth who provides physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, continuously during and just after childbirth. Doulas have probably existed, in function if not in name, for as long as women have been giving birth. In nearly every culture on earth, women support each other before, during labor and delivery as well as the weeks following birth. In our society however, this support has been removed from the birthplace at the same time that a myriad of choices have complicated the birthing process. Now more than ever, the nurturing presence of a Doula can help families meet the challenges of birth. During these times women need reassurance and information. They also need support, both physical and emotional – even spiritual. They need the type of insight and advice that only another woman can provide. 
The role of a Doula is to mother the mother. A Doula's goal is to empower, educate and support a woman so that she can have a positive and satisfying birth experience.

Doulas work alongside physicians, midwives, nurses, and birth partners as well as assisting women giving birth in hospitals, birth centers and at home. A birth Doula's purpose is to help mothers come as close as they can to having the kind of birth they desire, leaving them and their birth partner with the best possible feelings about themselves and their capabilities. They work to educate mothers and their partners about childbirth, to help mediate the stress and discomfort that can be associated with pregnancy and labor, and to provide physical and emotional support throughout the entire childbirth process. The Doula offers suggestions on comfort measures, pain relief, positions, movement, breathing and relaxation. The Doula recognizes childbirth as a transformative life experience. While the outcome of labor and birth can be unpredictable, the care you receive during your labor should never be. As your Doula, I am YOUR assistant. I do not work for the hospital or the nurses. I am employed by you, and therefore I have your desires, hopes, and best interest in mind. I hope to provide constant, nurturing, helpful and objective support as well as knowledge and understanding of what you, the laboring mother, is going through.

The heart of Doula care is the understanding that continuous emotional support and reassurance during labor and birth improves and enhances maternal satisfaction. Doulas specialize in non-medical skills and do not perform clinical tasks, such as vaginal exams or fetal heart rate monitoring. In addition to the support, Doulas are trained in non-pharmacological pain relief. Non-pharmacological pain relief means anything non-medical such as massage, aromatherapy, visualization, situation-appropriate application of heat or cold, breathing patterns, body positioning, focal points, and relaxation techniques.  Doulas do not diagnose medical conditions, offer second opinions, or give medical advice.  The Doulas goal is to help the woman have a safe and satisfying childbirth, as defined by each individual woman.