A doula is a professionally trained individual who provides physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
In Greek, the word "doula" means "servant" or "woman who serves." The term was adapted by Dr. Dana Raphael in 1969 to refer to a professional who supports and assists women during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
Doulas are for every type of birth—whether you want an unmedicated birth, low intervention, an epidural, or a cesarean. They support you and your partner, putting you in the best position for a positive birth experience. It’s about preparing mentally and physically, being informed, and having the best support team for this life-changing event.
What Does a Doula Do?
Doulas support you in having the birth experience you desire, creating an environment that promotes the process of birth, offering comfort measures, providing moral and emotional support, and sharing valuable information. They also assist your partner in supporting you, without expecting them to be birth experts. The goal is to help you achieve a beautiful, informed, and empowering birth experience. Doulas provide “continuous” labor care, a steady source of calm during the intense moments of labor, holding space for this monumental event in your life.
Why Would You Want a Doula?
Understanding that birth is as much a mental experience as a physical one is crucial. The mamas I support often hear me say, “Where the mind goes, the body follows,” and it’s true, especially during birth. Emotions—whether fear, joy, excitement, or calm—significantly impact how your body handles the process. Maintaining a positive mental state can make a big difference; this is where a doula comes in.
In my experience, having a doula for first-time parents is invaluable. When you’ve never done this before, it’s crucial to have someone who has been there to lead and guide you. My clients have needed me to walk alongside them, describing and advising them on what’s happening now and what to expect next. Success for me as a doula is when, after the experience, my clients feel that they were genuinely well cared for.
Here’s why you might consider having a doula:
If you want to ensure a well-informed, supported, and empowering birth experience.
If you’re aiming for a low-intervention or unmedicated birth.
If you’re having a cesarean and need emotional, informational, and physical support for both you and your partner.
If you’re planning to use an epidural and want additional support to help labor progress smoothly.
If you want your partner to be guided on the best ways to support you.
Which Doula is Right for You?
Which doula is right for you? Doulas offer various approaches and support styles, each with its own specializations. Finding the right fit is crucial, and chemistry is key to this process. When I first connect with my mamas, I emphasize that we might be a good match if they align with my three core beliefs:
You want to learn to trust your body, mind, and spirit during childbirth.
You want to feel confident and prepared for a safe and beautiful hospital birth experience.
You want to understand that you are birthing not just a child, but a new version of yourself.
The best way to find out if we’re a good fit is to schedule a quick call or FaceTime chat—just 15 minutes to discuss due dates, key birthing philosophies, and see if your chemistry feels right.
Why Would You Want a Doula?
There is a statistically significant correlation between positive delivery outcomes and improved postpartum health with doula support. The data on doulas is well-established and demonstrates clear benefits for both delivery and recovery.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states, “Evidence suggests that, in addition to regular nursing care, continuous one-to-one emotional support provided by support personnel, such as a doula, is associated with improved outcomes for women in labor.”
Doulas have been proven to make a significant difference in birth outcomes*
39% decrease in the risk of cesarean
15% increase in the likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth
10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
41 minutes shorter labor
38% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
A Doula vs. a Midwife: What’s the Difference?
People often confuse doulas with midwives, but they serve different roles. Midwives are medically trained professionals who monitor you and your baby’s well-being, provide medications if needed, and perform cervical checks. Doulas, on the other hand, offer emotional, physical, and informational support. Both are crucial, but they play different roles and complement each other perfectly as part of your birth care team.
Can’t My Partner Just Support Me?
Absolutely, your partner can support you, but they might not be familiar with all the aspects of birth or what comfort measures to use. Doulas support your partner too, allowing them to take breaks and providing guidance on how best to support you. Everyone works together as a team, with your partner playing an essential role. In addition to helping with the occasional fainting dad, I've found that a doula is invaluable in reassuring the partner. We help them understand that the birthing process is normal, that the birthing person is okay, and that everything is going to be alright.
Do Doulas Speak for Me?
No, doulas don’t speak for you. Instead, we help you articulate your preferences, remind you of your goals, and provide information to help you make informed decisions. We support your choices, help you navigate the birth process, and find your voice.
What Are You Paying for When You Hire a Doula?
When you hire a doula, you are investing in their expertise, knowledge, and presence. You get support from the moment you hire them, including prenatal and postpartum visits, and continuous support during birth. Doulas are available for questions, fears, and emotional support, and can provide referrals to local resources.
What Do Doulas Cost?
Times are changing. While doulas have traditionally been private-pay services—meaning you'd cover the cost out-of-pocket—there's been a shift. The average fee for a doula ranges from $1,500 to $3,500. This typically includes prenatal visits, continuous labor support, and several postpartum visits.
Recently, more insurance companies are starting to cover doula services. For instance, Tricare and other providers are increasingly offering coverage, and companies like CVS, PNC Bank, Walmart, Microsoft, and Carrot provide it as an employee benefit. Additionally, Medicaid at the state level is beginning to include doula services as well.
Do Doulas Matter?
Absolutely! If you’re wondering whether having a doula is worth it, the answer is a resounding yes. Doulas play a huge role in making your birth experience more satisfying and less stressful. They offer invaluable support—physically, emotionally, and informationally—for both you and your partner. Even though doulas aren’t medical professionals, their support is highly valued by doctors and nurses who see the positive impact they make.
Right now, it’s more important than ever to have someone in your corner who’s completely focused on you. A doula works for you, not the hospital or anyone else, ensuring your needs and wishes are the top priority.
Doulas are there to give you that extra layer of support, making sure you have a positive and empowering birth experience. They’re dedicated to helping you every step of the way—because you deserve nothing less!
Click below to download our white paper, The Rise of Doulas, where we do a deep dive into the growing popularity of doulas.
By Alisa Marie Beyer - Alisa is the CEO of the Maternal Care Institute and also works as a practicing birth doula primarily for U.S. military families in San Diego. She is a three-time mama and the author of a global childbirth education program through her company, Mindful Mama Childbirth.
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