Your doula won't be a stranger to you once you've hired her! You will have become acquainted with each other during your prenatal visits. You probably also wouldn't hire someone you didn't feel comfortable with. If you are giving birth in a hospital, you will meet many strangers depending on how long you are there. Nurses, doctors, anasthesiologists to mention a few. Your own doctor may not even be there to deliver your baby!

When things get tough or things happen beyond your control, and different people are scurrying in and out of your room, it will be extremely comforting to have a doula there - someone you know and trust who will be able to inform you of what's going on! She won't be a stranger.