What is a doula?

The word “doula” comes from ancient Greek and literally translates to “woman who serves.” The profession has evolved tremendously since its origin, but the spirit of service is still at the center. Today’s doula is a source of physical, informational, and emotional support for people experiencing a major life change. More specifically, doulas typically work with parents before, during, and after childbirth.

What does a doula do?

A doula provides support in three major areas:

• Physical: Doulas help clients find comfort during labor by suggesting positions, performing massage, supplying nourishment, and stimulating pressure points. In postpartum, doulas ease the burden of caring for an infant and handling mundane tasks so that parents can rest and recover.

• Informational: Doulas are incredible resources because we are intimately familiar with pregnancy, labor, infant care, and postpartum. That allows us to provide resources, insight, and hands-on instruction that you may not be able to find in a simple Google search.

• Emotional: A doula’s greatest superpower is empathy. Your doula is your safe place and, at times, your strength. We are there for you whether you need a pep talk, a shoulder to cry on, or simply someone to listen. But even more than that, your doula is your advocate. We want what’s best for you and your family, and we will do everything we can to help you settle into your new roles.

What’s the difference between a doula and a midwife?

A midwife and a doula have two very different functions. A midwife is a healthcare professional who is trained and certified to provide obstetric and gynecological services, including routine gynecological care and prenatal/obstetric care. They are experts in low-risk, vaginal births. A doula, however, is strictly an emotional, physical, and informational support person, and it’s not within their scope to give medical advice or diagnoses. What a doula does do is work with you and for you to help you navigate pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.

Why should I hire a doula?

While nurses, midwives, and doctors may work shifts and filter in and out, your doula is by your side for the duration of your labor and delivery. But the real value of a doula is that we specialize in holding space for you and your family. That means we give you room to process your emotions, ask questions, and weigh your options. Those that hire a doula statistically have higher birth satisfaction and lower rates of unwanted interventions, namely cesarean sections.

Are doulas just for natural births?

Doulas support all birthing people, regardless of whether they’re having a natural birth, a medicated birth, an induction, an unplanned Cesarean, a home birth, a planned Cesarean, a surrogacy birth, a hospital birth, a high-risk birth, or any other birthing scenario. Though the physical support may look different depending on the mode of delivery, that’s not all a doula provides. We offer clients educational and emotional support as well, which is beneficial in all birthing circumstances.