A doula may also be described as a labor assistant or birth coach. They are trained and likely certified with an organization such as Birth Boot Camp. A professional doula provides many benefits, not only to the birthing person but also to the birth partner and even close family members.

The doula role has been around for years, decades, even centuries! It has been shaped into a career for many and this type of professional support has grown in popularity over the last decade. 

Research, both scientific and anecdotal, show that a doula can be an essential part of a birth team, not only during birth but also prenatally and postnatally.