A Birth Doula is a professional who provides continuous support, both physically and emotionally to the laboring woman (and in many cases her husband/partner). The birth doula also offers prenatal and postpartum support, by providing information so that the woman can make evidenced-based decisions regarding her maternal health care during pregnancy, labor, and birth.

Birth doulas do not take the place of the husband, partner, midwife, nurses, or doctors, but rather work with all birth attendants in accordance with the mother's birth vision to help her have the most optimal labor and birthing experience she can.

Some people may be confused regarding the difference between a Midwife and Birth Doula. Like most midwives, birth doulas do believe that birth is a normal and natural process that works best if left to unfold on it's own. However, birth doulas, unlike midwives, do not give out medical advice or perform any medical tasks. A birth doula is not a medical professional. Birth doulas can offer evidence-based information, or provide the tools for women to find evidence-based information that can help you make informed decisions about your maternity care during pregnancy, labor, and birth.