Doulas

A doula is a person who is trained to give labor support before, during, and just after childbirth. Doulas may be certified by Doulas of North America (DONA). 

A  doula can: 

• Help you and your partner prepare for and carry out your plan for giving birth.
• Stay with you during labor and give physical and emotional support. 
• Give emotional support and suggestions to your partner. 
• Suggest comfort measures such as massage, positioning, and other non-drug pain relief. 
• Encourage good communication with medical and nursing staff. 
• Bring labor support items such as massage oils, hot or cold packs, music and flowers. 

The doula cannot:

• Speak for you. Medical caregivers need to hear from you.
• Make decisions for you. 
• Express approval or disapproval of your decisions during birth. 
• Give any medical advice or recommend any pain-relief medicines.
• Conduct any clinical actions such as vaginal exams, checking the baby's heartbeat, or taking vital signs.
• Prescribe any medicines.
• Deliver the baby. 
• Take over your partner's role as your main support. 

• The doula will meet the education and certification requirements of Essentia Health. 
• The doula will follow the DONA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice and the Essentia Health Code of Ethical Behavior. 
• The doula must wear an Essentia Health ID badge while in the hospital.