Doula is a Greek word which simply means “a woman care-giver of another woman.” In ancient times, doulas were an essential part of a woman’s birthing experience and remained with her from the beginning of labor until she integrated her birth experience into her daily life. Today, the Birth Doula supports the family during the labor and birth while the Postpartum Doula supports the entire family during the postpartum period which typically lasts three to six months.