What doulas do (and don't do) for their clients

A birth doula…

believes in the birth process and works to impart that same confidence to her clients
recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life and strives to preserve that memory in a positive way
understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth
stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor
provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, and reminds the couple of their options throughout labor
preserves and complements the partner’s role in the birth, encouraging them to support
the laboring woman as they are most comfortable and supporting them as they do so
offers an objective viewpoint and assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make informed decisions about her care
advocates for the woman by facilitating communication between the her and her partner, and her clinical care providers
strives to facilitate labor progress by maintaining a calm labor environment with lighting
and music and minimal distractions

A doula does not…

perform clinical tasks, such as vaginal exams or fetal heart rate monitoring. However, I WILL provide physical and emotional support to you and your partner.
make decisions for you. However, I WILL help you get the information you need to make an informed decision about your care. I will also remind you of your wishes as outlined in your birth plan.
speak to the medical staff on your behalf. However, I WILL listen to your concerns and review options with you that you and your partner can discuss with the clinical staff.
replace the father during labor. However, I WILL support and encourage the father and enhance his support style rather than replace it.

Here are some photos of me supporting families during and immediately postpartum: (photos by Kimberlin Gray Birth Photography)