What is a Doula?
The term “doula” is an Ancient Greek word which means “a woman who serves.” In modern society, this now refers to a trained professional who provides continuous emotional, physical, practical and informational support to individuals and families during pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period.
Unlike medical providers, doulas do not perform clinical tasks or make decisions for you, instead they offer connection, encouragement, grounding, and continuity in a system where new parents can often feel uncertain or overwhelmed. With a doula by your side, you gain an advocate for your choices, a source of calm, and someone who is dedicated entirely to your experience while delivering personalised care.
What does a Doula do?
PREGNANCY & BIRTH
During pregnancy, a doula will provide opportunities to discuss your birth preferences, preferred comfort measures, and important considerations in preparation for your birth. By providing evidence-based resources, a doula will help you explore the different interventions and options available to you and ensure you are aware of your rights so that you feel confident making decisions that align with your values. This is a safe space, no judgment. All feelings welcome, all topics are open for discussion!
The role of a doula at your birth is very much client-led. The kind of support available to you may include hands-on comfort measures such as massage, counter-pressure, breathing guidance, and position suggestions, as well as help creating and protecting your birth environment, advocacy, providing encouragement and support to you and your birth partner, gently reminding you of your preferences, practical help (i.e., getting drinks and snacks), taking photos, and clarifying procedures or options so that you can make informed decisions without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. A doula does not fulfil any medical role or make any decisions on your behalf, they are there to support you and your choices, whatever they may be.
THE POST NATAL PERIOD
A post natal doula provides emotional, practical, and informational support as you transition into life with your new baby. It is normal for this time to feel quite full-on, and it is important that new parents feel cared for and championed!
A post natal doula is a calm and nonjudgemental presence who listens deeply, checks in with your emotional well-being, and provides an opportunity for you to process your birth experience. They will also offer you evidence-based resources related to newborn care, feeding, and postpartum recovery to help build your confidence as new parents and ensure you feel equipped with any further support you may need.
Practically speaking, doulas create space for rest by assisting with light household duties, meal prep, newborn care, and care of older siblings so you can focus on healing, bonding with baby, and very importantly, your own self-care!
FAQ
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A midwife is a medical professional who provides medical care, monitors your health, and oversees the safe arrival of your baby. A birth doula provides non-medical support such as comfort measures, advocacy, encouragement, and guidance. Both roles complement each other beautifully.
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Not at all. Doulas support both you and your partner. They offer guidance so birth partners feel confident and involved. The doula’s level of support is guided by you, ranging from active involvement to a quiet, reassuring presence while you and your partner birth together.
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No! Midwives and health visitors provide medical care and checks. A postnatal doula offers non-medical support focused on your wellbeing, recovery, confidence, and daily life with a newborn.