What is a doula?

If you’re pregnant and exploring extra support during your journey, you might be wondering: what is a doula and how can a doula support me?

A doula is a non-medical care companion trained in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum support. Unlike doctors or midwives, doulas don’t deliver babies or provide medical care. Instead, they focus on making sure you feel informed, supported, and heard throughout your entire experience.

Doula support can be especially helpful if you want:

A more positive, personalized birth experience
Extra help managing labor pain
Someone to advocate for your birth preferences
Guidance through your postpartum recovery

Whether you're a first-time parent or have given birth before, doula care can help you feel more confident and prepared.

How can a doula support me?

At Pacify, our doulas provide support through three key phases of your journey: prenatal, labor and birth, and postpartum. Here’s what to expect:

1. Prenatal support

During pregnancy, your doula will get to know you and help you prepare for birth. Prenatal visits may include:

Talking through your birth plan and preferences
Answering questions about what to expect during labor
Sharing comfort techniques and pain management options
Offering emotional support and encouragement

This is your time to build a relationship with your doula and make sure you feel ready for your upcoming birth.

2. Labor and birth support (available for select care plans)

Doulas can provide continuous support during labor and birth. If your doula is available for labor and birth support, you can expect:

Hands-on support like massage, breathing guidance, and positioning help
Encouragement and emotional reassurance
Support for your partner or other family members
Help communicating with your medical team

Many parents say their doula helped them feel more calm and in control during labor—even in unexpected situations.

3. Postpartum support

After your newborn arrives, your doula will continue to check in on your recovery and well-being. Postpartum visits often include:

Emotional support as you adjust to life with a newborn
Self-care and recovery tips
Help with newborn care questions
Space to talk through your birth experience

This support can make a big difference in your confidence and mental health during the fourth trimester.

Do doulas replace your doctor or midwife?

No. Doulas are not medical providers. They work alongside your OB-GYN, midwife, and nurses to support your physical and emotional needs. Think of your doula as a knowledgeable teammate focused entirely on you.

Why choose doula services?

Research shows that working with a doula can lead to:

Shorter labor
Fewer medical interventions
Reduced need for pain medication
Higher satisfaction with the birth experience

Doulas help you feel more prepared, supported, and confident.

Step 6: Call a Birth Doula

A Birth Doula can help you fill out your Birth Wish List. They can explain any medical words and answer questions. They can also give advice that fits you and your goals.

Remember that your Birth Wish List may change. Birth can be unpredictable. Sometimes the plan changes to keep you and your baby safe. If this happens, it’s important to process how you’re feeling. You’re not alone.

The importance of trust and compatibility

Better care: A good doctor or midwife should make you feel at ease. They should listen and empower you. You should be able to discuss your goals and worries. This will lead to better care and outcomes for you and your baby.

Open communication: You'll have questions and concerns during pregnancy. You need a provider who listens to you. They should answer your questions in a way you can understand.

Prenatal care: Regular prenatal visits are important to keep you and your baby healthy. You should be able to talk about your health, your body, your feelings, and your baby with your provider.

Emotional support: Pregnancy can bring on a lot of feelings. A caring provider who supports you can be a big comfort during a stressful time.

What to do if you’re unhappy with your provider

Do your research: Look online for providers with good reviews.

Check your plan: Call your health plan or visit their website to find in-network providers. Your insurance might help pay for visits.

Ask for advice: Get suggestions from friends and family. Or ask a doctor you trust for a referral.

Consider a midwife: Midwives specialize in prenatal and postpartum care. They may align better with your preferences.

Set up interviews: It may sound silly, but interviews or meet-and-greets can help you learn about providers. You can call to schedule an appointment and explain that you are pregnant and are looking to “establish care.” This is a chance to see if you feel comfortable with the provider.

Remember, if you don't feel understood or supported by your provider, you can find a new one. You should feel at ease talking about your body and feelings with them. Better communication means better care for you and your baby.

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What is a doula?

Step 1: Gather information

Step 2: Start with the Pacify Birth Wish List

Step 3: Discuss your wishes

Step 4: Talk to your doctor or midwife

Step 5: Start your Birth Wish List

Step 6: Call a Birth Doula

The importance of trust and compatibility

What to do if you’re unhappy with your provider