The word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves” and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.  Unlike a caregiver or a nurse, a birth doula doesn't concentrate on the clinical parts of labor or give medical advice, and she doesn't work in shifts. Instead, she stays with a laboring woman continuously throughout labor and birth, giving hands on pain management, encouragement, reassurance, advice, and help.  Her presence can help ease the stress, unpredictability, and pain of labor.  She is like your own personal trainer, for birth, and after. She works for you!