What Does a Doula Do? A Complete Guide to Birth & Postpartum Support
If you're expecting a baby, you’ve probably heard about doulas -but what does a doula actually do? Unlike doctors or midwives, doulas don’t deliver babies. Plus, when others focus on the baby, a doula might be the only person focusing entirely on YOU. Can you imagine how much easier it is to go through labor with an empathetic expert by your side?
Why more NYC families are hiring doulas?
Many families, especially first-time parent, say they feel more secure going into labor with a doula they know. Why? Neither a midwife nor a partner can match a doula’s support during, before and after childbirth.
Medical staff may sometimes seem indifferent or patronizing. Doulas bridge the gap between medical staff and your birth plan. They ensure your preferences are respected. In other words: a doula’s main role in hospitals is advocacy.
One more reason why families hire doulas more often is that hospitals are overwhelming. It’s hard to navigate the system without a knowledgeable support.
But how exactly does a doula help? Let’s break it down.
What Does a Doula Do Before Birth?
Birth isn’t just another day in your regular life, so there are things you might overlook, or never thought about. A prenatal doula helps you prepare both mentally and physically for labor and birth: from packing your birth bag to explaining the stages of labor. Here are some questions a prenatal doula can explore with you as your big day approaches:
Birth planning
"Let’s dream up your ideal birth for a moment – what would make you feel safest and most empowered?"
"Birth can be full of surprises – how would you like me to help if things don’t go exactly as planned?"
Birth advocacy prep
“Do you know what your rights are in a NYC hospital?”
“Let’s discuss how to communicate with staff confidently”.
Evidence-based education
"Is there anything about hospital procedures that’s been confusing or worrying you?"
“What pain management options are you curious about?”
Emotional support
“How does your partner usually cheer you up? What can they do for you during labor? Let’s make a list!”
“What helps you when things go wrong? What are your coping mechanisms?”
Practical preparation
"Should we practice some labor poses?"
"How do you want to see your perfect birthing nest?"
Don’t worry, you are not expected to know everything, but thinking ahead with a supportive person can make all the difference.
What Does a Doula Do During Labor?
The main role of a labor doula is to stay with you. Doctors and midwives do quick check-ups and go, but your doula remains. Here are other doula’s roles:
A doula is your constant partner. She is the one who keeps space calm and centered, never leaving your side. She’ll be there for you whether you need to talk or sit in silence.
A doula is your advocate. She is the one who keeps in mind the preferences you’ve discussed beforehand, acting as a middle-person between medical staff and you. Without this advocacy, you might feel timid to request what’s important for you. Moreover, when you hire a doula, you have the same supportive person with you from early labor through delivery, unlike midwifes who rotate based on shifts.
And while doctors focus on their jobs, your doula:
Translates medical jargon into plain language.
Asks questions on your behalf, like “Can we discuss alternatives?”
Protects you and limits unnecessary interruptions.
A doula is your personal labor coach. Needless to say, every doula is trained in massage techniques and labor support. What’s your role in all this? Should you remember labor poses or soothing techniques? Thankfully, you can enjoy the luxury of not having to remember everything: how to breathe or how to calm down. While midwives might be too busy to explain what’s happening in the moment, your doula will be there to offer timely advice.
A doula supports your partner. Again, midwives are there for your safety, not necessarily for comfort, let alone your partner’s comfort. It’s common for partners to feel unsure or get too nervous during labor. Having a knowledgeable doula benefits everyone:
For your partner: a doula has time to keep them informed about what’s happening and how to support you better.
For you: husbands usually steps out with the baby, but with a doula you’ll never be alone.
For medical staff: they can fully focus on their job without needing to address your emotional needs.
Do Doulas Replace Partners?
Absolutely not! If you want your partner by your side, a doula will only enhance their support. However, if your partner has some reservations about attending the birth, a doula can provide all the support you need.
Do doulas take photos?
While most doulas aren’t professional photographers, NYC families have another option. At YourCherish, our doulas are also experienced birth photographers and videographers. This means one trusted professional can both support you and captures precious moments.
Do doulas only support natural births?
A doula can guide you through every type of birth, whether it is natural, epidural or cesarean. The most valuable part is that she has no agenda or judgment as far as women choose pain relief or not. Everything will be exactly as you wish.
What Does a Doula Do After Birth?
Right after the delivery, there are things your doula does for you:
Immediate grounding. The first hours after birth might be rather chaotic. Your doula creates safe and calm space in the chaos. She helps with the first latch or bottle, protects your baby bubble, and takes care of you.
Practical support. A postpartum doula is like a mother for a new mother. Her focus is your postpartum recovery. Need help with breastfeeding? She’ll help you with latch issues and pumping. Not feeling confident with the baby? She’ll explain how to swaddle and sooth your little one.
Postpartum check-ins. Doulas know the ins and outs of after-birth care. Your doula will guide you through recovery, helps you find specialists, and arrange outside consultations if needed.
In short, your doula’s priority is YOU.
How to Find the Right Doula in NYC
Finally, we’ll give you some recommendations on hiring a doula:
Interview multiple doulas. Chemistry matters, so pay attention to your gut feelings during conversations. Do you trust her? Do you feel comfortable with her?
Check certifications. Look for DONA or CAPPA-trained doulas. Rest assured, all our doulas at YourCherish are fully certified professionals.
Curious if it’s right for you?
Have questions? Let’s talk or book a free 15-min consultation.
