Ashley Arnold

A doula is a provider trained to support a woman (and her partner) before, during and after labor and childbirth.  A doula provides support both physically and emotionally.  Many times doulas also provide childbirth education classes or other specialized services to meet their clients' needs. Many doulas are formally trained and are passionate about ensuring a mother is educated and informed.  Doulas customize their roles to meet their clients' needs, whether being the primary caregiver or simply the person who remembers the heating pad and ice chips.  Studies show that women have a 34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with their birthing experience when a doula is present at their birth.