So, Just What Is a Doula?

If you’re pregnant or planning to be, you may have heard the word "doula" come up in conversation, on social media, or during a prenatal class. But what exactly is a doula, and why are so many families choosing to have one by their side?

Let’s break it down in real, practical terms so you know what to expect, and how a doula can help make your birth and postpartum experience feel more supported and empowered.

What Is a Birth Doula?

A birth doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a woman/birthing person before, during, and just after childbirth. Think of them as your personal birth coach, advocate, and calming presence.

What They Do:

• Help you create and navigate your birth plan

• Support you and your partner (if applicable) during labor with comfort techniques like massage, breathing, and positioning

• Offer reassurance and guidance through each stage of labor

• Provide or help source information so you can make informed decisions about your care

• Stay with you throughout the entire birth process, from early or active labor to a few hours after baby arrives

Why It Matters:

According to a landmark study published in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2017), people who had continuous support during labor (like from a doula) were:

• More likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth

• Less likely to need pain medication, epidurals, or a C-section

• More likely to report a positive birth experience

In short: having a birth doula isn’t a luxury, it’s a form of evidence-based care.

What Is a Postpartum Doula?

A postpartum doula supports the family after the baby is born—usually in the first few weeks or months. Their role is to "mother the mother" and help the whole household adjust to life with a newborn.

What They Do:

• Help with newborn care like diapering, soothing, and feeding

• Support the birthing person’s physical and emotional recovery

• Offer guidance on breastfeeding or bottle-feeding

• Do light housekeeping, meal prep, and sibling care if needed

• Provide emotional support and help prevent postpartum mood disorders by simply being a compassionate presence

Why It Matters:

Postpartum is a major transition, and many parents feel overwhelmed or isolated. A 2021 study in the Journal of Perinatal Education showed that postpartum doula support can lead to:

• Improved breastfeeding outcomes

• Greater confidence in newborn care

• Reduced rates of postpartum depression and anxiety

Postpartum doulas don’t come in with an agenda. They come in with open arms, ready to support your parenting style, your needs, and your recovery.

Doula vs. Midwife: What’s the Difference?

People often confuse doulas with midwives, but their roles are very different.

• A midwife is a medical professional who provides clinical care during pregnancy, labor, and birth.

• A doula is a non-medical support person focused on your comfort, emotions, and overall experience.

They can absolutely work beautifully together to provide a complete circle of care, but it’s important to understand the role each plays in your birth. You can read more about the difference between doulas and midwives in the FAQs.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose a birth doula, a postpartum doula, or both, know that doulas are there to walk with you through one of the most profound transitions of your life. They offer wisdom, calm, hands-on help, and most importantly, unwavering support.

If you’re curious about hiring a doula, talk to your health care provider, ask around in your community, or search for doulas in your area on DoulaMatch.net. Just know that no matter your birth scenario, you deserve to feel supported, seen, and empowered in every step of this journey.

With love, Mama Nurture 💜