A birth doula is a trained professional providing the types of support during childbirth may include physical assistance and comfort (massage, maintaining a supporting posture or providing water), emotional support (providing company, encouragement or simply talking in a soothing tone of voice), and acting as an advocate for the woman undergoing childbirth (suggesting options or supporting the woman's decisions to a medical team). Doulas may also be involved during pregnancy and after birth (postnatal care).

Most doula-mother relationships begin a few months before the baby is due. Before the labor, the doula and the family can develop a relationship where the mother and her partner feel free to ask questions and express fears and concerns, and where the mother can take an active role in creating a birth plan. Continuity of support by the same person is an important aspect of the relationship between doula and mother. Doulas may be found in hospitals, community-based programs, as well as private practice, doula agencies and may be reimbursed by insurance companies or out-of-pocket by clients.

Studies are proving the doula mother relationship are helping to change maternity care for the better. Doula care helps to decrease the need for commonly used medical inventions, and improves the birth experience for the entire family.

The term Doulas has been around since 1969, but the profession dates back much older than that. In human history history there was a widespread practice that a female of be part of childbirth, and in most societies this was traditionally a role occupied by a family member or friend whose presence contributed to successful long-term breastfeeding.