dou.la [doo-luh]

A Greek word meaning "woman's servant". A doula is a woman who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Research shows that doulas help women have faster, safer, and more natural births.


Helpful Links

  • http://www.childbirthconnection.org/ Wonderful source for up-to-date evidence-based information and resources on planning for pregnancy, labor and birth, and the postpartum period.
  • http://www.birthdiaries.com Beautiful site with many birth stories shown in pictures or video. All are rated on a "graphic" scale, so you will know ahead of time if there is anything in the stories you might find objectionable.
  • http://www.spinningbabies.com/ Information and techniques on how to get your baby in the best positon to give birth. Very helpful for women whose babies may be posterior of breech.
  • http://www.childbirth.org Great site with articles, message boards, and other useful information on pregnancy and childbirth.
  • http://www.dona.org Official web site of DONA International. Great information on what doulas are and do, details on how to become a doula, and doula boutique where you can buy doula-related merchandise.

  • http://www.icea.org Web site of the International Childbirth Education Association.

  • http://www.lalecheleague.org Web site of the best-known organization supporting breastfeeding. You can access articles on various breastfeeding topics, find a meeting in your area, or join in on online group.

  • http://www.utahbreastfeeding.org Web site of the Utah Breastfeeding Coalition