1. Planning, Education and Preparation. A doula's job is to help empower you for your birth and give you and your partner the tools to feel confident in your ability to go through the labor and birth process. You have the ability to birth your baby, its a doula's job to help you connect with your inherent skills to use for coping-in other words a doula doesn't wear a super hero cape, they make sure yours is tied nice and snug and can help you straighten it out if it becomes wrinkled along the way.
2. Looking after your emotional journey. Your midwife or OB may be absolutely amazing, but there is nothing like having a pregnancy BFF. Your doula will get to know you on a much different level than your provider and become both you and your partner's “person”. Your provider doesn’t always have to time to spend supporting emotions they way a doula can. The trust that you will build with each other will allow you and your partner to feel supported before, during and after your birth. “Having a doula available 24/7 during my pregnancy and postpartum left us with with a constant sense of security”
3. Live coaching via video chat. Your doula will remind you of everything you’ve learned and helping you sort it all out during your birth via video chat. It doesn’t matter how much you read and learn prenatally. During your birth reminders are necessary. Your doula will help you form the right questions to your providers to help you get the information needed to make decisions in the moment with a solid understanding of your birth preferences and specific worries.
4. Directing your birthing partner to help more efficiently and effectively by suggesting positions and hands on techniques that will help with coping. Doulas help your partner better help you by giving them practical solutions to many common labor discomforts.
5. Supporting your plan, and helping you process a new plan should circumstances change along the way. The job of a doula is to provide information and support your choices, without judgement or trying to sway your decisions. They want you to feel 100% supported wheather or not you plan to go without meds or would like to have an epidural as soon as possible (and everything in between).