Blog / About Doulas
Want to learn more about the role and services of birth and postpartum doulas? You’ve come to the right place!
DONA International has been a trusted resource for information about the doula profession for over 25 years. Whether you are a family considering hiring a doula, want to be come a doula or are a care provider working with doulas — these articles provide information about what a doula does and how we support families. Doulas make a difference!
Doula Support for Cesareans: ICAN President Guest Post
Editor’s Note: In honor of International Doula Month, International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) President LaQuitha Glass shares her thoughts on doulas and cesareans as she reflects on her own birth experiences. ICAN is one of many resources The DONA Doula...
Doulas on TV: Frasier to Bones and Beyond
The birth community has been abuzz about the latest portrayal of doulas on a primetime television show. Yes, the doula in Bones was outside of our scope of practice and, in general, did not provide the appropriate emotional, informational and physical support she was...
Medicaid Now Covering Birth Doulas in Oregon
Doulas who have been registered on the Traditional Healthcare Worker Registry can now have their services reimbursed by Medicaid. The registration process requires both an application and background check. This is a huge development for bringing doula services to...
DONA International Press Release: Doulas Celebrate Recognition as Key Factor in Reducing Cesarean Rates
The doula world danced when the updated Obstetric Care Consensus: Safe Prevention of the Primary Cesarean Delivery was released in February by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM). Doulas...
Inspiration from Ina May Gaskin
As we celebrate doulas this month, let’s not forget that the work we do is HARD! Every now and again, we need a little inspiration. How about a 74-year-old world renowned midwife giving a TEDxTalk on minimizing fear of birth? Ina May Gaskin, founder and director of...
Happy International Doula Month!
May is the month of mothers and so we celebrate those who “mother the mother” – doulas! What better way to celebrate birth and postpartum professionals than a documentary on doulas and our important role with families? “The Essential Ingredient: Doula” is available...
ACOG & SMFM statement: One of the most effective tools to reduce the cesarean rate: doulas!
Yes, dear doulas, you read that correctly. Yesterday the guidelines for the care of women during pregnancy and birth were revised heavily to address the growing rate of surgical birth for first time mothers in the United States. In those new guidelines, doulas were...