00:00 Doulas are women who have already had a baby and help other women during childbirth, a practice that dates back to ancient Greece but declined with the rise of hospitals in the 20th century.

04:40 Doulas are childbirth coaches who help women through the process, advocating for their birth plan and providing support and guidance based on their own experiences and knowledge.

09:00 Doulas were initially seen as meddling busybodies by the medical community, but the creation of the Doula Certification and Training body helped bridge the gap and legitimize the profession, with doctors and nurses now appreciating the support doulas provide.

13:25 Doulas are not authorized or trained to give birth or perform medical procedures, but they provide support and coaching to expectant parents before, during, and after labor.

17:49 Doulas offer a range of services and can customize their support based on the needs and preferences of expectant parents, including antipartum and postpartum support, and they are not limited to just natural childbirth.

22:06 Doulas can provide various massage techniques and other forms of support during labor to help alleviate pain and facilitate the birthing process.

26:52 To become a doula, you don't need a college or high school degree, but there are certification and licensing programs available that can increase your chances of getting more work, and some of the certifying bodies include Dona, CAPPA, and the American Pregnancy Association.

31:24 The cost of a doula can vary greatly, but there is a tension between the desire to have a doula and the reluctance to pay them a decent wage, although some insurance companies and Medicaid in Oregon and Minnesota may cover doula expenses; studies have shown that having a doula can lead to positive outcomes such as shorter labors, higher APCAR scores for babies, fewer negative feelings about childbirth, and less need for interventions or pain medication.

35:59 Doulas have become popular because they can help make the birthing process less traumatic, and there are also "death doulas" who provide emotional support and comfort during the dying process.

40:23 Doulas have become popular because they can help make the birthing process less traumatic, and there are also "death doulas" who provide emotional support and comfort during the dying process.