The word 'Doula' (pronounced 'doola') is a Greek word meaning 'woman servant or caregiver'. More recently, it refers to someone who offers emotional and physical support to a woman and her partner before, during and after childbirth. A Doula (also known as a birth attendant) believes in 'mothering the mother', enabling a woman to have the most satisfying experience that she can, from pregnancy and into motherhood. This type of support allows the whole family to relax and enjoy the experience too.

Despite Doulas being fairly unheard of in Australia, they have been actively supporting women for a very long time and are fast growing in popularity after much positive word of mouth and the need for increased support.

Doulas are trained and experienced in childbirth and are usually mothers themselves. They have a good knowledge and awareness of female physiology, but a Doula does not support the mother in a medical role – that is the job of the midwife or doctor. She also does not make decisions for the couple, but she supports them through the decision making process and provides balanced information so the couple can make their own decisions.

A Doula works in birth centres, private and public hospitals and at homebirths in conjunction with midwives.

There are two types of Doulas, Birth Doulas and Post-Natal Doulas, with many Doulas performing both roles. The difference is that the role of the Post-Natal Doula is to nurture the mother at home after childbirth. This may include further breastfeeding support, light home duties, massage, emotional and physical support for the mother and so on. Post-Natal Doulas are particularly in demand as support for new mothers has reduced in modern society. Needless to say, studies show that Post-Natal Doulas make a huge impact on the well-being of mothers.