Key takeaways: Doulas are trained, non-medical support professionals. Birth doulas support you during labor; postpartum doulas help in the weeks after birth. Continuous labor support is linked to better birth experiences and some improved outcomes. Doulas don’t replace medical care.
Doulas offer support that complements care from your doctors, midwives, and nurses.
Birth Doulas
A birth doula provides continuous support during labor and birth:
- Comfort measures: position changes, massage, breathing.
- Emotional support and encouragement.
- Information to help you understand what’s happening.
- Support for your partner.
- Help with the first breastfeed.
What research shows: a Cochrane review found that continuous support during labor is associated with a higher chance of spontaneous vaginal birth, shorter labor, fewer cesarean births, less use of pain medicine, and more positive birth experiences. Support from someone who isn’t hospital staff appears especially helpful.
From the author
From First Breath to First Birthday is my month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, written as a NICU and postpartum nurse. If you’re in the thick of the first year, my book is a month-by-month companion for your baby’s feeding, sleep, growth and development, so you can spend less time searching.
Postpartum Doulas
A postpartum doula provides support at home after birth:
- Help with newborn care basics.
- Feeding support (many have basic lactation training; they’re different from IBCLCs).
- Light household help, meal preparation.
- Emotional support and rest for the birthing parent.
- Referrals to other professionals when needed.
Research on postpartum doulas is more limited, but support in the postpartum period is widely recognized as valuable.
What Doulas Don’t Do
Doulas don’t perform medical tasks, give medical advice, or make decisions for you. They help you get information and support you in communicating with your care team.
Finding a Doula
- Ask your provider or hospital for referrals.
- Look for certification through organizations such as DONA International or others.
- Interview a few doulas to find a good fit.
- Ask about training, experience, fees, availability, and backup plans.
Cost and Coverage
Costs vary. Some states’ Medicaid programs and some private insurers now cover doula services. Some doulas offer sliding-scale fees. Ask your insurer and check your state’s Medicaid program.
The Bottom Line
Doulas provide valuable non-medical support during birth and after. Continuous labor support has good evidence behind it. Consider whether a doula fits your needs and budget.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Related Articles
- Early Intervention: What It Is and How to Ask for an Evaluation
- Partners and Postpartum: How Non-Birthing Parents Can Help (and Get Help)
- Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes: What They Cover and Why They Help
- Adding Your Newborn to Health Insurance: Deadlines Not to Miss
Sources
- Bohren MA, Hofmeyr GJ, Sakala C, Fukuzawa RK, Cuthbert A. Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;7(7):CD003766.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee Opinion No. 766: Approaches to limit intervention during labor and birth. Obstet Gynecol. 2019;133(2):e164-e173.
- DONA International. What is a doula? https://www.dona.org
- Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC). Doula services in Medicaid. https://www.macpac.gov
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
