OBJECTIVE: To show the possibility of using oral history as a methodological reference for understanding the meaning of the experience of doulas during labor and birth in a maternity. METHODS: This is a qualitative study conducted at a municipal public maternity hospital in the city of Recife, in Pernambuco state, where the program has been institutionalized for four years. The research instrument used was the interview with nine doulas, analyzed according to the oral history. RESULTS: Two main themes emerged that show the experience of the doulas in caring for women: a way to humanize and welcoming and creating links. CONCLUSION: The speeches revealed that doulas provide care that contains an active listening based on attitudes of respect, foster care, technical knowledge and love.
Woman health; Humanized childbirth; Patient escort service