One of the most meaningful experiences in life is giving birth. The process can also feel physically and emotionally intense. Having a doula with you during pregnancy, labor, or postpartum recovery can help reduce stress, provide reassurance, and offer steady support during this important time.
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What is a Doula?
A doula is a trained support person who provides physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum recovery. Doulas are not medical professionals, and they do not perform clinical tasks or deliver babies. Instead, they help pregnant and postpartum individuals feel informed, supported, and cared for throughout the process.
The word doula is often associated with labor support. While many people connect doulas with home births, doulas may also support hospital births and other birth settings.
Types of Doulas
- Birth doulas
- Trauma doulas
- End-of-life doulas
- Miscarriage doulas
- Birth trauma doulas
- Doulas supporting families of newborns with disabilities
- Pregnancy-after-loss doulas
What Services Can Doulas Provide?
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Doulas can take on many roles depending on the type of support a person needs. Some focus on pregnancy and birth, while others provide care during grief, trauma, or recovery. In the childbirth journey, common doula roles include labor, antepartum, and postpartum doulas. Their presence can offer support beyond what family members or partners can provide on their own.
Doula Roles
Labor doulas provide continuous support during labor and birth. Antepartum doulas support pregnant people who may be on bed rest or navigating a high-risk pregnancy, often helping with practical daily needs such as childcare or household support. Postpartum doulas help families after birth by offering non-medical support, which may include newborn care guidance, emotional support, and help with adjusting to life at home with a baby.
How Can a Doula Help You Before Childbirth?
Many people assume doulas only help during labor or after birth, but they may also provide support before childbirth. Typically, a doula meets with you during the second or third trimester to get to know you, understand your preferences, and discuss your needs for labor and delivery.
During this time, your doula may help you learn relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and comfort measures for labor. They can also answer questions about the birth process and help you and your partner think through a birth plan.
What Service Does a Doula Provide During Birth?
During labor and birth, a doula’s role is to help you feel as calm, supported, and comfortable as possible. This may include hands-on comfort measures such as massage, position changes, breathing support, and encouragement throughout labor.
A doula may also help you communicate your preferences to the medical team and support your partner in being involved throughout the experience.
It is important to remember that a doula is not a medical expert and does not perform clinical tasks such as examinations, monitoring, or medical decision-making.
How Long Does a Doula Stay After Birth?
The amount of time a doula stays after birth depends on the type of doula and the support arrangement. Some birth doulas remain with the family for a short period after delivery to help ensure the parents feel settled and supported. Postpartum doulas may continue helping for days or weeks after birth, depending on the family’s needs.
After birth, a doula may offer support with newborn care routines, feeding guidance, emotional reassurance, rest, and practical household adjustment. They may also help partners and family members understand how to best support the birthing parent during recovery.
Is Having a Doula Worth It?
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In a recent survey, 6% of birthing people said they used a doula during childbirth, which is 3% higher than in a previous survey (Declercq et al., 2013). The survey also found that 27% of people who knew what doulas were were told they would have liked a doula present during their childbirth process.
So why should you have a doula during your childbirth? With all the benefits we’ve listed, having a doula can significantly improve your labor and delivery experience. Studies show that women who have doulas during childbirth experience shorter labor, less pain medication (if any), and a more positive experience in general.
Having a doula may also help reduce pressure on a partner by giving both parents added support during pregnancy, labor, and recovery.
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