Which role does a doula NOT fulfill during labor?

A doula's primary role during labor centers on providing emotional support, comfort measures, and facilitating communication rather than delivering medical advice. Doulas are trained in various techniques to help manage pain and provide reassurance, and they act as advocates for the mother, ensuring her wishes are respected. However, they do not have the medical training required to offer specific medical advice or make clinical judgments about the mother's care.

In contrast, the other roles are integral to what a doula does. Offering emotional support helps the mother feel more secure and empowered during labor. Assisting with pain relief techniques, such as breathing exercises, positioning, or massage, is an important part of the comfort measures a doula provides. Facilitating communication ensures that both the mother’s and healthcare providers' needs are effectively met, thereby enhancing the overall labor experience.