What’s a doula? What do – and don’t – they do during childbirth?

Fly View Productions/Getty Images A birth doula is a support person a woman can privately hire during pregnancy. They usually attend the birth and provide non-clinical comfort measures such as massage, assistance getting into different birth positions, and emotional reassurance. While most doulas provide support during labour, some also – or only – provide support in the days and weeks afterwards. Doulas also support the partner. They ensure the partner is informed and involved in the birth,…