What is a Doula? Understanding Birth Support

One of the questions I hear most often is: “What exactly is a doula?” It’s a fair question! While doula support has been around for centuries, the term is still new to many families. Let me break it down for you.

The Word “Doula”

The word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves.” Today, a doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a birthing person before, during, and shortly after childbirth.

What Does a Doula Do?

Before Birth

  • Meet with you to understand your birth preferences
  • Provide education about labor, birth options, and comfort measures
  • Help you develop a birth plan
  • Answer questions and provide resources
  • Offer emotional support during pregnancy

During Labor and Birth

  • Provide continuous, one-on-one support
  • Suggest comfort measures like position changes, massage, and breathing techniques
  • Offer encouragement and reassurance
  • Support your birth partner
  • Help facilitate communication with your medical team
  • Advocate for your wishes

After Birth

  • Help with initial breastfeeding
  • Provide emotional support during the immediate postpartum period
  • Offer resources for the weeks ahead

Doula vs. Midwife: What’s the Difference?

This is another common question! Here’s the key difference:

Midwives are medical professionals who provide clinical care. They monitor your health, check vital signs, perform exams, and can deliver your baby.

Doulas do not perform any clinical tasks. We focus entirely on your comfort, emotional wellbeing, and advocacy. We support you and your partner through the experience, but we don’t deliver babies or make medical decisions.

Think of it this way: your midwife or doctor cares for your medical needs, while your doula cares for you.

The Evidence for Doula Support

Research consistently shows that continuous labor support from a doula can lead to:

  • 25% decrease in the risk of cesarean birth
  • 8% increase in the likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth
  • 10% decrease in the use of pain medications
  • Shorter labor
  • Higher satisfaction with the birth experience
  • Better breastfeeding outcomes

(Source: Cochrane Review, “Continuous support for women during childbirth”)

Is a Doula Right for You?

Doula support benefits everyone—whether you’re planning a medication-free birth, an epidural, or a cesarean. My job is to support YOUR birth, whatever that looks like.

If you value having continuous, dedicated support throughout labor… if you want someone in your corner who knows your preferences… if you’d like your partner to have support too… then a doula might be a great addition to your birth team.

Questions?

I’d love to chat more about how doula support could benefit you. Reach out for a free consultation, and let’s talk about your birth plans!