What is a Doula, Really?
When you first hear the word “doula,” you might picture someone who shows up with a yoga mat, a calming voice, and maybe a bag of herbal tea. While we do love our calming tools, the real work of a birth doula goes much deeper than essential oils and affirmations.
So, what exactly is a doula?
A birth doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to people before, during, and shortly after childbirth. We’re not midwives or medical professionals. We don’t deliver babies or make clinical decisions. Our role is to help make the birthing experience smoother, more supported, and more aligned with your goals—whatever those goals may be.
Let’s talk about what that actually looks like in practice.
First and foremost, doulas offer emotional support. We’re the steady presence in the room—sometimes literally holding your hand, sometimes simply reminding you that you’re doing an amazing job when things feel overwhelming. Pregnancy and labor come with a whole spectrum of emotions, and we’re there for all of them. Whether you’re nervous, excited, frustrated, or just tired of being pregnant, we help you navigate those feelings and stay grounded through it all.
Then there’s physical support.
This might mean applying counterpressure to your lower back, helping you find comfortable positions, offering massage, or setting up the birth ball. We bring a whole toolkit of comfort measures and use them based on what you need in the moment. Every labor is different, and part of our job is tuning in to how things are unfolding and responding in real time. If you need quiet encouragement, we’re there. If you need to move around and try different techniques, we’ll guide you. And if you just need someone to be present while you rest between contractions, we’ll sit with you.
We also support you with information.
Birth can be unpredictable, and decisions often need to be made in the moment. We help you understand what’s happening and what your options are. We don’t tell you what to do or push you in one direction—we help you make informed decisions based on your own values and preferences. That might mean walking through the risks and benefits of an intervention, or simply translating medical jargon into something that makes sense.
And we don’t just support the birthing person—we support partners too.
Many partners want to be involved and helpful, but they aren’t always sure how to do that—especially in the middle of labor. We help them feel more confident and capable by giving them guidance, reassurance, and space to be emotionally present without the pressure of knowing all the answers. Think of us as the coach for the whole team.
Our care often continues after the baby is born.
We typically stay for a little while after birth to make sure you’re comfortable, answer any initial questions, and help with that first feeding if needed. Some doulas also offer postpartum visits to check in, help process the birth experience, and offer resources or referrals for continued support.
So what does all this look like in real life?
Let’s say you’re planning a hospital birth. You might call your doula when early labor starts at home. They’ll talk you through your sensations, help you find comfortable positions, and encourage rest. When things start to pick up, they’ll meet you at home or the hospital, guide your partner through what’s helpful, and stay by your side as labor intensifies. They’ll help keep the environment calm, remind the care team of your birth preferences, and offer steady reassurance every step of the way. When baby arrives, they’re still there—offering support as you hold your little one for the first time, helping you settle in, and making sure your voice remains centered through it all.
In a home birth setting, they may be part of your team from early on, working alongside a midwife. In a planned cesarean, they might be your emotional anchor before and after surgery, helping you navigate what can still be a deeply empowering birth experience. A doula’s job is never one-size-fits-all—it adapts to your needs.
So, do you need a doula?
That depends on what kind of support you want. But most people who work with doulas say they felt more informed, more in control, and more emotionally supported—regardless of how their birth unfolded. Whether you’re planning an unmedicated home birth or a hospital birth with an epidural, a doula can help make the experience more grounded, connected, and truly your own
At the end of the day, a doula is someone who’s there for you—to remind you that you can do this, to help you feel strong in the hard moments, and to walk beside you through one of the most transformative experiences of your life.
Interested in learning more or seeing if we’re the right fit for your birth team? At Nature and Nourish Birthing Co., our experienced doulas are here to support you with compassion, confidence, and care. Reach out to schedule a free consultation or ask all your questions—we’re here for that too.
