The Philadelphia Alliance for Labor Support (PALS) is an organization of doulas who attend the births of people who would like a doula but cannot afford to pay for one. PALS also provides doula referrals for people who can afford a doula, and provides training for people who wish to become doulas.
What does a doula do?
A doula is trained to support parents during labor and delivery. A doula will use many techniques to help you to cope with the emotional and physical intensity of birth.
The most important thing that a doula will do is provide constant emotional support and reassurance. Doulas respect and act as an advocate for the laboring person and their partner or support person. Your doula can also offer information about many aspects of the process of giving birth.
What does a doula NOT do?
Doulas do not give medical advice, offer “second opinions” or do medical procedures. A doula does not replace the doctor, midwife or nurse. A doula will also not replace the other support people, but rather works with them. A doula does not make decisions for you, speak for you, or judge you in any way.