Why consider having a doula?

Childbirth is intense, demanding, unpredictable, and painful, and it can last for anywhere from a few hours to 24 or more. Even if you are well prepared, you may find it difficult to apply your classroom learning in the real situation. If you are not well prepared, all the challenges of labor are baffling and anxiety producing.

The birth doula guides and supports women and their partners continuously through labor and birth. The doula is on call for you, arrives at your home or the hospital when you need her, and remains with you continuously, with few or no breaks, until after the baby is born. The doula is trained and experienced in providing emotional support, physical comfort, and non-clinical advice. She draws on her knowledge and experience as she reassures, encourages, comforts, and empathizes with the mother. She advises the partner how to help, suggesting when to use particular positions and comfort measures.


The doula DOES NOT make decisions for the two of you, or project her personal preferences on you, but she helps you get the information you need to make good decisions. Her goal is to help the mother have a satisfying birth as she defines it.


*Excerpt taken from "The Birth Partner" by Penny Simkin


Dockter's Choice Doula Services
Madison Dockter
Lawrence, Kansas
785.218.2392
[email protected]