There is a good chance your Great-Grandmother gave birth surrounded by women knowledgeable in the birthing experience. Over time it became more common for women to labour alone in a hospital tended to by staff. Fortunately these days it is likely you will have your partner with you throughout labour and birth, and now the element of a knowledgeable woman being present has reemerged.

A Birth Doula is a woman who provides continuous emotional and physical support for you during your labour. She visits with you and your partner during pregnancy to build a rapport, answer questions, and help prepare you for the birth. Once you are in labour, you can count on your Doula coming to you when you need her and staying until after the birth of your baby. She will stay at home with you in early labour, keeping you comfortable and offering reassurance. Once labour is well established, she accompanies you to the hospital and continues her support. This continuity has been proven through research to shorten labours and reduce the likelihood of interventions including medication and cesarean sections. Because each labour is unique, your Doula will adapt to your birth and your needs. She can offer a combination of massage techniques, position changes, and verbal reassurance that can help you throughout your experience. After the birth your Doula can help you establish breastfeeding and encourage bonding with your infant.

A Doula also permits your partner to participate in the experience without feeling entirely responsible for your emotional and physical needs. Birth can be a transformational experience for a couple, and a Doula helps to eliminate the fear of the unknown and unforeseeable. Her commitment is to you and your partner and helping you obtain the birth experience you want. She supports all decisions you make and offers suggestions and information based on your needs.

In the days or weeks following birth, many women are now using the services of a Postpartum Doula. These women are trained in the care of new moms and babies and offer services including infant care, light housekeeping, and breastfeeding support. Mothers with additional children, twins, or partners who have returned to work, benefit particularly. Some Birth Doulas offer both services.

When choosing a Birth Doula it is important to select someone with whom you are very comfortable. She should be familiar with the birthing process, but not necessarily need to have given birth herself. The number of births she has attended may be less important to you then the confidence you feel in her presence. You should ask about her education and most importantly her philosophy on birth. Postpartum Doulas are trained in infant-mother care and may have other skills and certifications that you would value. Fees for Doulas vary according to experience, skills, and services offered. In any case, interviewing 2-3 women will help you determine the type of Doula you are looking for.

Stacelynn Caughlan is a Clinical Nutritionist and Certified Herbalist who specializes in pregnancy, birth and childhood. She is currently the editor of http://www.motherandchildhealth.com an online source of advice on nutrition, herbs, and natural healing for pregnancy, birth, and childhood. It includes parenting advice, articles, experts, and a variety of resources that help support natural lifestyle choices.