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What Does a Doula Do? Support in Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond

A doula gives emotional and practical support before, during and after birth. Learn what they do, what they do not do and how to choose one.

Before you use this guide: This is general educational information, not an individual medical assessment. We do not identify a clinician reviewer on this page, so please confirm personal health decisions with your doctor, midwife or paediatrician.

A doula is a trained companion who gives non-medical support to you and your family during pregnancy, birth or the weeks after. Doulas do not deliver babies, carry out clinical checks or give medical advice. They do not replace your midwife, your doctor or your birth partner. Their role is to be a steady, familiar presence so you feel informed, supported and heard.

What a birth doula does

• Meets you before the birth to talk about your hopes, worries and preferences, and helps you think through your birth plan
• Helps you understand your options and suggests questions to ask your midwife or doctor
• Stays with you through labour and for a short time after the birth, so you always have one-to-one support
• Offers comfort measures such as massage, breathing, position changes, a birth ball, warm water and a calm environment
• Supports your birth partner, who may feel unsure of how to help
• Helps you speak up for your preferences. A doula does not speak on your behalf or make decisions for you.
• May help with your baby's first feed

What a postnatal doula does

• Helps with practical tasks at home, such as light housework, meals and looking after older children
• Gives you time to rest, shower or sleep
• Offers information about newborn care and feeding, and encourages you to seek help from health professionals when needed
• Listens and provides emotional support during a vulnerable time

What does the research say?

Reviews of studies on continuous support during labour have found that people who receive it are more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth and shorter labour, less likely to need a caesarean birth, and more likely to be satisfied with their experience. The benefit appears clearest when the support comes from someone who is not a member of hospital staff or part of the person's family or friends. Study quality varies, and results depend on how maternity care is organised where you live.

How much does it cost and how do you find one?

Doulas are usually paid privately, and fees vary widely by country, region and experience. Some areas have community or volunteer doula programmes, particularly for families who are on a low income or who face extra challenges, so ask your midwife or local maternity services. In many places, doula training and registration are not regulated, which makes it worth asking about each doula's background.

Questions to ask when you meet a doula

• What training and certification do you have, and how long have you been supporting families?
• What is included in your fee, and what are the payment and cancellation terms?
• When do you join me in labour, and what happens if you cannot attend? Is there a backup?
• How do you support people whose plans change, for example if I have an epidural, an induction or a caesarean birth?
• Have you worked with my hospital or birth centre before?
• Can I speak to someone you have supported before?

Doula, midwife and birth partner: how they differ

• A midwife or doctor provides clinical care and is responsible for your and your baby's safety.
• A doula provides emotional and practical support, and does not provide clinical care.
• A birth partner knows you best and shares in the birth, and can feel more confident with a doula there too.

This content is for general information only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and every baby is different. Always talk to your doctor, midwife or paediatrician about your own situation, and seek urgent care if you are worried.