What Is a Doula?
A Clear, Supportive Guide for Expecting Parents
If you’re pregnant or newly postpartum, you may have heard the word doula—but what does it actually mean?
A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to families during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Doulas do not provide medical care. Instead, they work alongside your doctor or midwife to help you feel informed, supported, and confident as you navigate one of life’s biggest transitions.
The word doula comes from ancient Greek, meaning “a woman who serves.” Today, doulas support families of all kinds, in many different birth and postpartum settings.
What Does a Birth Doula Do?
A birth doula supports families before, during, and immediately after birth.
During Pregnancy
A birth doula may help you:
Understand your birth options
Learn what to expect in labor
Prepare for common medical procedures
Create a flexible birth plan
Feel more confident asking questions at appointments
During Labor and Birth
During labor, a doula provides continuous support, which may include:
Emotional reassurance
Comfort techniques (breathing, movement, position changes)
Physical support such as counter-pressure
Helping you understand what’s happening during labor
Supporting your partner so they can be present and engaged
Research consistently shows that continuous labor support improves outcomes. A large review published by the Cochrane Library found that people supported by doulas were more likely to have vaginal births, shorter labors, and higher satisfaction with their birth experience.
Source: https://www.cochranelibrary.com
What Does a Postpartum Doula Do?
A postpartum doula supports families once baby is home.
Postpartum doulas may help with:
Newborn care and soothing
Feeding support (breast, bottle, or combination)
Light household support
Emotional reassurance
Education around infant sleep and recovery
Helping parents rest and recover
Postpartum care is not a luxury — it is preventative support.
👉Learn more about Postpartum Doula Services
Are Doulas Medical Providers?
No. Doulas:
Do not provide medical care
Do not diagnose conditions
Do not replace doctors, midwives, or nurses
Doulas focus on education, comfort, and advocacy, helping you understand information so you can make informed decisions.
Who Can Benefit From a Doula?
Doulas support families across all types of births and postpartum experiences, including:
Hospital, birth center, and home births
Planned cesarean or vaginal birth
First-time and experienced parents
Single parents and blended families
High-risk pregnancies
How Birthing Days Supports Families
At Birthing Days, our doulas offer calm, evidence-based support rooted in respect and choice.
👉Birth Doula Services
Postpartum Doula Services
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