What role do doulas play in prenatal education?

Doulas play a significant role in prenatal education by assisting expectant parents in creating individualized birth plans. This process involves understanding the parents' desires, values, and preferences regarding labor and delivery, which enables the doula to provide tailored support. By facilitating discussions about pain management options, potential interventions, and overall birthing philosophies, doulas empower families to make informed choices that align with their specific needs and wishes.

While providing medical information may be part of a doula's support, it is not their primary focus, as doulas do not offer clinical advice or replace medical professionals. Additionally, suggesting family members to attend classes is not a core role of doulas. Instead, their primary aim is to support the birthing person directly. Lastly, advising only during labor would limit the important educational support doulas provide during pregnancy, as their involvement begins well before labor to ensure families feel prepared and informed.