Women Helping Women

Doula (Greek, pronounced "doo-lah") means "women helping women." Our doula programs (Birthing Assistant and Beyond Birth) are now the gold standard internationally. We are proud that, more than a decade ago, our belief in encouraging families to start out in the best possible way was the foundation for one of the first hospital-based doula programs in the country.

What is a doula?

In ancient Greece, pregnant women relied on their most trusted servant for physical and emotional support during labor and delivery. Those women were called doulas. Today's professionally trained doulas serve in much the same capacity, providing comfort, reassurance and pain management assistance to women in labor. They are with their patients from the moment labor begins until the baby is born.

Doulas have undergone training specific to assisting pregnant women and newborns. Our doula programs are sponsored by the Lexington Medical Foundation, and based on the highest standards of care as set by DONA International.

Birthing Assistant Program

Doulas are skilled not only in the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of women in labor, but also in facilitating communication between parents-to-be, preparing birth plans and information about the options for birth and delivery.

Doula Postpartum Program: Beyond Birth

Postpartum doulas, while helping the new family at home, bring much-needed confidence to new moms by offering postpartum care such as breastfeeding support and advice, newborn care and assistance with household duties.