The professional doula is a woman who assists and attends a family expecting a baby from early labor until the baby is born. Doulas are trained to offer care for the women from home to birth place of choice to home again. Doulas assist the mother, but are not physicians, midwives, or nurses assistants. The exact nature of a doula's duties varies, as each parent and doula decide the exact duties of the relationship.
Doulas do not “prescribe” treatment, any suggestions or information provided within the role of the doula must be done with deference to and consultation with the primary care provider. Some Doulas cook and clean and others only attend the mother during the birth. Doulas of North America (DONA) offers certification to doulas in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
