What is the role of a doula?
Some ask what the difference between a nanny and doula is, others assume a doula is kind of like being a midwife. A lot of people have asked me, and not fully understood, what the role of a doula is. So, I thought I’d get into what a doula does and also what a doula does not.
Doula role responsibilities
A doula is a trained, non-medical birth and/or postnatal companion. The word comes from the Greek meaning ‘woman who serves’ — though today it speaks to something broader: a person who accompanies you through one of life’s most significant transitions, offering knowledge, presence, and care. A doula might help you prepare for and attend your birth, ensuring you and your partner are supported. They may not attend your birth - you might want to hire a doula when you are postpartum and need some extra support as you navigate the fourth trimester.
Some things you might expect from doula services:
Listening without agenda — you set the tone for each antenatal and postnatal session
Preparing for labour, birth and postpartum through emotional, informational and practical support
Physical and emotional support during labour, birth and postpartum
Attending your birth
Evidence-based information on infant feeding, recovery, and sleep
De-briefing your birth experience
Signposting to relevant specialists or services
Practical help so that you can rest, recover, and bond with your baby such as help with household tasks
Ensuring you are well nourished by providing cooked meals and snacks
Support with infant care and establishing breastfeeding or chestfeeding
Supporting your partner’s transition
Watching baby while you catch up on sleep or whatever you need to feel supported
Support with siblings while you spend time with your baby
What a doula is not
A doula is not a midwife, doctor or other Healthcare Professional - they will not perform any clinical tasks. Your doula will not be making any decisions about your care or providing medical advice, they cannot assume any responsibility for what happens during or after your birth.
A doula will not replace or assume the role of birth partner unless you specifically request this; they will ensure your partner is supported and involved in the process.
Doulas cannot guarantee a specific birth outcome. This is a common misconception, that by hiring a doula you are guaranteed a better outcome in birth; whilst the research suggests that hiring a doula is highly beneficial to the birth experience, and does reduce the need for things like Caesarian section, pain relief, and even increases the chance of spontaneous labour, your doula cannot guarantee the birth you want. In your antenatal sessions, doulas will often go through your birth plan and preferences, understand your worries and help you formulate plans for potential birth scenarios and outcomes. If you come away feeling supported and prepared, that is no small thing.
Lastly, whilst doulas do help with household tasks relating to your care, they do not provide nannying or cleaning services. The doula role is about supporting the family - sometimes this involves cooking, other times it may involve helping you and baby get outside for some fresh air. More often than not, it’s about holding space for you to process and experience the journey you have been on into parenthood.
Why you might hire a doula
There are several reasons to hire a doula, and no two situations are the same.
Some clients hire a doula because they would like continuous support which they feel their hospital trust is not able to provide them. Others are looking for reassurance in their choices. Some have been through the process before, and want to have extra support through birth or the postpartum period, which they didn’t get last time. Whatever the reason, your choices are valid and welcomed.
If this resonates with you and you’re ready to take the next step, book a free call.
