what is a doula and why should I hire one?

A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, informational, and advocacy support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Unlike midwives, who focus on medical care, doulas are non-medical and offer continuous, personalized support, including pain relief techniques, advocacy, and guidance for birthing partners. Evidence shows that having a doula improves birth outcomes, reduces cesarean rates, shortens labor, and enhances satisfaction for both the birthing person and their partner. Doulas empower families to feel confident and cared for during this transformative journey.