What Is a Birth Doula? And Why Do You Need One?
Today, I’d like to talk more about my work as a birth doula. I sometimes get the surprised look: “A what?!” when I talk about what I do for a living. And I realized, maybe I should have started my blog with that question in the 1st place!
So, What Exactly Is a Birth Doula?
One of the definitions, from DONA International, is “A birth doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their client before, during and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.”
Clear enough! No? Ok, picture this:
You've just found out you're pregnant. Excitement, wonder, maybe a little bit of "wait, what now?" There's so much to learn, so many decisions to make, and birth can feel like this big, mysterious event that you're supposed to prepare for without really knowing how.
That's exactly where a birth doula comes in.
A birth doula is not a midwife. They're not a doctor or a nurse. They won't monitor your baby's heartbeat or make clinical decisions. What they will do is hold space for you. Your fears, your questions, your hopes, and make sure you feel seen, heard, and supported every single step of the way. They’ll make sure you’re as comfortable as possible and help you cope as labor progresses. They will support your partner as well, guiding them on the best way to support you without the pressure of knowing and being everything. And they will help you understand your options so you can make informed decisions that feel right for you.
What Does Working With A Birth Doula Look Like?
Birth is such an intimate event and trust is built during prenatal visits. In my practice, we discuss your hopes, fears, and preferences for your birth, but also, we chat about topics you need clarification on and the different possible scenarios because yes, birth is unpredictable. We practice labor and birth positions too, so you know what to expect. I love those sessions because it’s when we get to know each other better and test working as a team.
In between visits, we stay in contact as needed, when something new comes up after a follow-up visit with a provider for example, or you want to revise your birth preferences, or simply need to bounce ideas on a specific topic.
Then, it’s birth time! At 1st, you are likely able to handle labor on your own, in the comfort of your home, surrounded by your people. During that time, I check on you and offer guidance remotely. It’s best not to disturb your peace. And when you are ready for more support, I join, either at your home or your birthplace. And throughout labor, I might:
Suggest positions and movement to encourage baby's descent and help with comfort
Offer massage, counterpressure, or other comfort measures to ease labor sensations
Use breathing techniques and affirmations to help stay calm and present
Interpret what's happening so you are never left wondering or feeling confused
Communicate with your care team to make sure everyone is on the same page
Most importantly, I stay. Hospital staff rotate shifts. Doctors may pop in and out. But as your birth doula, I remain continuously by your side.
When the unexpected happens, and sometimes it does, I help you process information, ask the right questions, and feel empowered to make decisions that align with your values. You are always in the driver's seat. I’m just there to make sure the road is clear.
And birth support doesn’t end the moment the baby arrives! In the hours right after birth, I’m staying with you and helping with those tender first moments: initial skin-to-skin contact, the first attempts at breastfeeding, and making sure you are being cared for even as everyone's attention naturally turns to your beautiful new baby.
I also offer postpartum check-in sessions, which is a chance to process your birth experience, ask questions that have come up, and get gentle guidance as you find your footing in those early weeks.
What the Research Says
Do you know there is research on the impact of birth doulas on birth outcomes?
The gold standard on this topic is the Cochrane Review on continuous support for women during childbirth, last updated in 2017 [1]. It analyzed 27 randomized controlled trials involving nearly 16,000 women across 17 countries. Compared to women without continuous support, women who had a doula by their side were:
39% less likely to have a cesarean birth
15% more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth
10% less likely to need any pain medication
Having shorter labors by 41 minutes on average
38% less likely to have a baby with a low five-minute Apgar score
35% less likely to have a negative birth experience
Remarkably, the review found that these benefits were greatest when support came from someone specifically in a doula role, meaning not from hospital staff, and not from a social support person like a partner or family member. In other words, the doula's unique training and singular focus on the birthing person make a measurable difference.
A 2025 scoping review published in npj Women's Health [2], examining 23 studies across the full pregnancy continuum, found that doulas consistently reduced cesarean rates, preterm births, labor duration, and pain, while also lowering maternal stress and anxiety. Interestingly, the review also put into perspective how much of a gap exists between the hospital care provided and the needs of the birthing people: hospital nurses spend just 6–10% of their time providing labor support, far below the 53% that birthing people actually expect and need. Your doula is there to fill that gap.
You Deserve to Feel Supported
Let’s be honest. You can birth your baby, with or without a doula. Some would even argue, with or without a medical provider. But the birth doula's whole purpose is to make sure you feel safe, respected, informed, and cared for from the very first prenatal visit all the way through those tender early days with your new baby. Which makes them an incredible tool for you to increase the odds of having a positive experience, one that you will remember decades later.
And maybe you noticed I’m not even talking about the type of birth doulas are for. Because birth doulas are for any type of birth. A misconception is that birth doulas are useful only for unmedicated, physiological births. But, doulas can help with the options and timing of the medication, with keeping you moving even when epiduralized to promote baby’s descent, with effective pushing and so much more!
Every birth doula has a personality and a different approach to birth. The main criteria when choosing your birth doula is whether you feel comfortable around this person. How do you feel about sharing your fears and concerns with them? How would you feel having this person by your side while feeling vulnerable?
If you're curious about what working with a doula would look like for you, I'd love to chat. Reach out to schedule a free consultation. No pressure, just a warm conversation about what you need and how I can support you.
Love and strength to you!
References
[1] Bohren MA, Hofmeyr GJ, Sakala C, Fukuzawa RK, Cuthbert A. Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2017, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD003766. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub6. Available at: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub6/full
[2] Chaudhary P, Rech JP, Kumar G, Snyder K, Rosen A, Dinkel D, et al. Role of doulas across the pregnancy care continuum on maternal and child health: a scoping review. npj Women's Health 2025;3:63. DOI: 10.1038/s44294-025-00109-4. Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s44294-025-00109-4
