What is the primary role of a doula during labor?

The primary role of a doula during labor is to provide physical and emotional support. Doulas are trained to assist the laboring person by offering comfort measures such as massage, breathing techniques, and position suggestions to help manage pain and facilitate labor. They also provide emotional support, helping to create a calming environment and encouraging the laboring individual throughout the process. Unlike medical personnel, doulas do not perform medical procedures or take notes for medical records; their focus is solely on the well-being and comfort of the birthing person during labor. Additionally, while they may provide information about prenatal care, they do not assist with prenatal diagnosis, as that is outside the scope of a doula’s role.