What is a doula's role in an emergency situation during labor?

A doula's primary role is to provide emotional and physical support to the birthing person and their family throughout the labor process. In an emergency situation, the doula helps the family stay calm by offering reassurance, maintaining a positive and comforting atmosphere, and empowering them with information that can help them understand what is happening. This support can be crucial during a high-stress event, allowing the birthing person to focus on their needs and the situation at hand.

The other roles listed, such as providing surgical assistance or delivering the baby, fall outside the scope of a doula's training and responsibilities. Doulas are not medical professionals and do not perform medical tasks. They do not replace medical staff but rather complement the care provided by healthcare professionals by offering emotional support and advocacy for the family's wishes. This distinction highlights the valuable, yet specific, role that doulas play during labor and delivery.