As a doula, I may be the only person at the labor besides your partner, who is there solely for the family’s emotional well-being and advocating for what you want. The nurse, the doctor, and the midwife have other priorities that compete with the emotional care of the woman, for example, breaks, shift changes, clinical responsibilities, office hours, and hospital policies. As a doula, I have few or no other priorities. I remain through shift changes until after the baby is born. I am not just another stranger with the couple. My focus is on you and ensuring you and your birthing partner’s needs are priorities.