What role does a doula NOT play in childbirth?

A doula primarily provides emotional support and informational guidance throughout the childbirth process, which is essential for creating a positive birthing environment. This support often includes offering continuous emotional reassurance, helping the birthing person manage pain through various techniques, and providing evidence-based information about the birthing process to empower them in their choices.

The role of a doula distinctly does not include performing clinical medical procedures. This is fundamentally because a doula's training focuses on non-medical support, which helps bridge the emotional and physical needs during labor while allowing medical professionals to handle clinical aspects such as medical assessments, interventions, and procedures. The presence of a doula has been shown to enhance the overall birth experience, but they are not qualified to perform tasks that require medical expertise or training. This clear division of roles is vital for ensuring both the safety and support of the birthing person during this critical time.