About Doulas

What is a doula and what do they do?

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Doulas are professionals trained in childbirth that provide emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother who is pregnant, experiencing labor, or has recently given birth. Their purpose is to help women have a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience. A doula can be the mother’s advocate for what she wants and needs to be content. Doulas are there to create a safe space for a woman in her time of need, physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

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Most often the term doula refers to the birth doula or labor support companion. The most widely known doulas are also referred to as birthing coaches, labor companions, labor support specialists, labor support professionals, birth assistants, or labor assistants.

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However, there are many types of doulas. There are fertility doulas, abortion doulas, pregnancy doulas, postpartum doulas, and death or loss doulas. Doulas can provide support in various ways. Some doulas provide spiritual or holistic support. Some doulas provide emotional or companionship support. Some doulas provide hands on support like massages or yoga. There are some that provide more intimate support such as perineal steaming or massaging. Doulas can provide support during abortions, stillbirth or miscarriage. And there are doulas that help a mother with household chores or sibling care after childbirth. Needs and comfort levels vary with each doula and each client.

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In every culture, from the beginning of time there have been helpers during childbirth. Until the age of industrialized hospitals, women would give birth at home or within special groups with other women or helpers who had experience in aiding and assisting with childbirth. Some cultures have traditions or rituals that accompany birth and death. Doulas can be there to advocate the clients wishes surrounding the birth or death with consideration to culturally significant traditions.