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Our doulas are dedicated to you! Doulas have a very special role in the lives of the families we support. We’ve collected these articles to help families better understand the role and impact doulas have during labor, birth and the postpartum period.

Over 25 years ago, DONA International put doulas on the map and has long been the world leader in defining, training and certifying professional doulas. Our doulas balance professionalism with passion. We practice with deep respect for the families we support and the doctors, midwives and nurses who care for you.

Postpartum Preeclampsia: Risk after Delivery Remains

Postpartum Preeclampsia: Risk after Delivery Remains

By Eleni Tsigas, Chief Executive Officer, Preeclampsia Foundation May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month. Preeclampsia is one of the three largest causes of maternal mortality in the USA and around the world. Postpartum doulas are in a unique position to encourage...

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The Duchess and the Doula

The Duchess and the Doula

By Ann Grauer, AdvCD/BDT(DONA), AdvPCD/PDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, IBCLC Meghan Markle hired a doula for her upcoming birth (and, hopefully, postpartum). We are delighted that she is making DOULA the word heard round the world. The Duchess is just the latest expectant...

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What Is Natural Birth Anyway?

What Is Natural Birth Anyway?

By Sharon Muza, BS, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE It has become clear to me in the past few years that there has been a shift in the meaning of some birth terminology that consumers use to talk about their births. Personally, I cannot pinpoint when the shift...

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Lights, Camera, Action – Doulas Doulaing!

Lights, Camera, Action – Doulas Doulaing!

By Sharon Muza, BS, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE Where have I been the past two years? Under a rock? How did I just discover Romper's The Doula Diaries video series? Somehow, these short (typically less than ten minutes) vignettes profiling a doula as they...

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A Pregnant Belly Makes the Best Halloween Costume!

A Pregnant Belly Makes the Best Halloween Costume!

By Sharon Muza, BS, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE Halloween is observed in the United States and other places around the world today. Now that my children are young adults, we seem to have lost the Halloween spirit and all the rituals and fun associated with...

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Happy 80th Birthday to DONA Founder Penny Simkin

Happy 80th Birthday to DONA Founder Penny Simkin

By Sharon Muza, BS, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE Today, May 31st is Penny Simkin's 80th birthday. I am confident that you join me in being so glad that she was born on this day in 1938. Penny is one of the five founders of DONA International and an icon in...

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Doulas’ Children Share What They Think Doulas Do

Doulas’ Children Share What They Think Doulas Do

By Sharon Muza, BS, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE In honor of Mother's Day, which is being celebrated today in the United States, I asked doulas to ask their children "what does a doula do?" The kids' answers are very funny, but also, often remarkably...

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Call the Doula! Let’s Help Kate Middleton with Baby #3!

Call the Doula! Let’s Help Kate Middleton with Baby #3!

Sharon Muza, BS, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE Ever since Kensington Palace announced earlier this week that Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, are expecting their third child sometime in 2018, I have been secretly...

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