What does a doula
actually do?
A doula gives you physical, emotional and informational support
before, during and after birth. You get comfort, encouragement
and help sharing your preferences, not medical care.
Evidence-minded. Plain-language. No pressure. [1]
Where would you like to begin?
For expecting families
Compare birth and postpartum support, plan what help you want, and bring clear questions to your doula interview.
Find your starting pointFor aspiring doulas
Compare birth and postpartum work, explore training, and plan how client commitments could fit into your life.
Explore becoming a doulaFor working doulas
Build your practice with clear pricing, contracts and client communication. Plan on-call life and explore agency growth.
Explore running your practiceThe essentials, gently explained
What does a doula actually do?
A plain-language look at doula support before, during and after birth.
Birth doula or postpartum doula?
Compare support during labor with practical help in the weeks after birth.
What does the research say?
A careful reading of ACOG and Cochrane findings on continuous labor support.
Before birth. During birth. Back at home.
During pregnancy
Talk through your questions, share your preferences and plan how you want to be supported.
Labor & birth
Comfort measures, encouragement and help communicating your preferences alongside your care team.
The first weeks home
Newborn care and feeding support, companionship, meals and light household help.
Non-medical support, as described by DONA International: birth and postpartum.