Doulas and Your Maternity Experience
A doula is a specially trained support person who provides educational, emotional and physical support to women and their partners during their pregnancy, during birth and often during the postpartum period as well. They do not provide medical care, but they can help you have a more positive birth experience.
At RWJBarnabas Health hospitals, we welcome doulas as part of your care team. Doulas can be helpful in enabling parents to feel comfortable and safe.
What Does a Doula Do?
A doula provides extra support to mothers and their partners in a variety of ways.
- Education. Your doula can explain what to expect before, during and after birth. This can include birth plans, medical interventions, and pain management options, both medical and non-medical.
- Emotional support. Your doula will be there to provide encouragement, reassurance and comfort. They can address fears and anxieties and create a calm and positive birth environment to make your experience less stressful.
- Physical support. A doula can help you find more comfortable birthing positions, and guide you in breathing techniques and relaxation exercises.
- Postpartum support. Some doulas offer support after the baby is born, guiding the new mother in breastfeeding techniques, providing emotional support and helping the family adjust to life with a new baby.
What Is the Difference Between a Doula and a Midwife?
A doula does not provide medical support, while a midwife can. Nurse-midwives at RWJBarnabas Health work with your care team at the hospital to monitor your health and medical care.
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