What Exactly Does a Doula Do? Clearing Up the Confusion

If you’ve ever been in a conversation about pregnancy or birth, chances are you’ve heard the word “doula” come up. You may have nodded along, not entirely sure what that person actually does. A midwife, maybe? A nurse? A spiritual guide? Doulas are associated with home births and hippy-dippy vibes.

Let’s clear it up.

So… What Is a Doula?

A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to a person before, during, and shortly after childbirth. They don’t deliver babies (neither do the midwives nor obstetricians, FYI), and they don’t offer medical care. What they do is walk alongside families in one of the most vulnerable, transformative experiences of their lives—offering reassurance, comfort, guidance, advocacy and hold space.

Think of a doula as part coach, part calm anchor, and part birth nerd.

Types of Doulas

There are different types of doulas, depending on where and when they support families:

• Birth Doulas – Support you during pregnancy and labour. Birth doulas have a lot of knowledge and experience supporting physiological births, and medicalised births can help you navigate your birth preferences.

• Postpartum Doulas – Help you adjust to life with a newborn; with feeding, light housework, holding space and supporting the whole family adjust to their new life.

• Full-Spectrum Doulas – Provide support across all reproductive experiences, including miscarriage, abortion, and adoption.

Each type plays a distinct role, but the goal remains the same: to support without judgment.

What a Birth Doula Does

Here’s what a birth doula typically helps with:

• Prenatal Support: They meet with you during pregnancy to talk through your birth preferences, provide evidence-based information, help you prepare mentally and physically, and answer all those “Is this normal?” questions.

• During Labor: This is where they really shine. Doulas are a steady presence—offering breathing techniques, massage, positioning suggestions, encouragement, and that vital reminder: “You’ve got this.” They also help partners support the birthing person in ways that feel helpful and confident.

• Emotional Support: Whether you're feeling scared, excited, frustrated, or exhausted, your doula’s job is to validate those feelings and walk you through them. No eye-rolls, no judgments, no pressure.

• Advocacy: Doulas don’t speak for you, but they help amplify your voice. If a medical procedure is suggested and you’re unsure, they help you ask the right questions and make informed decisions based on your values.

What About After the Baby Is Born?

If you hire a postpartum doula, they focus on life after birth—something many new parents say they wish they’d had more support with. That might include:

• Helping with newborn care (feeding, diapering, sleep routines)

• Supporting the birthing person’s recovery

• Light household tasks

• Watching the baby so you can rest or shower

• Holding space for the emotional ups and downs of new parenthood

Why Do People Hire Doulas?

Studies show that having a doula can lead to shorter labours, fewer interventions, and greater satisfaction with the birth experience. But many people hire doulas simply because they want someone in their corner—someone who knows birth, listens well, and stays calm when things feel intense.

Doulas don’t take over—they support.

Is It Worth Hiring a Doula?

Is it worth it? Honestly, that is something that only you can answer. I have never heard of someone regretting hiring a doula. Yes, it is an investment, and we are so used to not paying for support here in the UK, so it can be hard to get your head around it. Around the world, it is normal to pay for health care and additional support to make sure they get the support they need.

If you’re preparing for a birth or supporting someone who is, a doula might be one of the most grounding choices you can make. They’re not magic, but sometimes, it sure feels like they are.

Whether you’re giving birth in a hospital, birthing centre, or at home, with or without medication, surrounded by family or solo, the right doula meets you where you are.

Because at the end of the day, doulas are about connection, care, and confidence.