Becoming a parent can bring a mix of joy, hope and stress. For Caroline, it was a moment she had wanted for more than a decade. When she finally saw a positive pregnancy test after years of in vitro fertilization (IVF), she was beyond elated. As a single mom by choice, she knew her next step was to assemble her support squad. For Caroline, that included a doula.

Her doula, Ale, helped her through every step of the journey. She answered questions during pregnancy, explained medical terms after doctor visits and helped Caroline feel empowered in her decisions.

What is a doula?

A doula is a trained, non-medical professional who provides support before, during and after childbirth. Their role is to focus on your comfort, needs and preferences.

Doulas may provide:

Physical support such as comfort techniques during labor
Emotional support like reassurance and encouragement
Informational support to help you understand your options and make decisions

They work alongside your doctor or midwife. While medical providers focus on clinical care, doulas focus on your experience and well-being.

What do doulas do?

Doulas can support you in many ways throughout your pregnancy and birth journey.

During pregnancy

A doula can help you:

Learn what to expect during pregnancy and birth
Prepare a birth plan
Talk through your concerns or questions
Understand information shared by your care team

During labor and delivery

A doula can:

Stay with you and provide continuous support
Offer comfort techniques, like breathing or positioning
Help you feel calm and focused
Aid your partner or support person

After childbirth (postpartum)

A doula may also help with:

Adjusting to life with a new baby
Breastfeeding or feeding support
Finding helpful resources
Emotional support during recovery

Doulas support the whole family by helping create a stronger support system and reducing stress throughout the experience.

What are the benefits of having a doula?

The benefits of doula support are well documented. Research shows that working with a doula may:

Improve birth outcomes
Reduce the need for certain medical interventions
Support a more positive birth experience
Help make maternal health care fairer for all mothers, regardless of race

But the benefits of a doula aren’t just physical. They can have a positive effect on mental and emotional well-being, too. Doulas can also help address gaps in care by giving people more support, information and confidence throughout their journey.

How doulas can support mental health

Pregnancy and the time after birth can bring big emotional changes. It’s common to feel stress, worry or even anxiety. But studies show a 57% decrease in postpartum anxiety and depression for people who work with doulas. Because doulas focus on emotional, physical and informational support, they can help you feel more in control and supported during a time that can feel uncertain.

Doulas can support your mental and emotional well-being by helping you:

Feel less alone during pregnancy and labor
Ease your worries by offering steady support and guidance
Talk to your doctor and feel more confident in your decisions
Create a calmer, more supported birth experience

Caroline and how a doula can make a difference

For Caroline, support from her doula made a lasting impact. Her labor lasted 27 hours and ended in an unplanned C-section. It was not what she expected. But with her doula by her side, she felt supported the whole time.

After a long and emotional journey, she welcomed her healthy baby boy, Johnny. She shared that her doula helped turn what could have been a traumatic experience into one that felt “perfect.”

Stories like Caroline’s show how having the right support can change how you experience pregnancy and birth.

Is a doula right for you?

Choosing a doula is a personal decision. Some people want extra support. Others may already have a strong support system.

You may want to consider a doula if you:

Want more guidance during pregnancy and birth
Feel nervous or unsure about what to expect
Are looking for emotional support during this time
Want help understanding your care and options

Every pregnancy is different. The right support is the one that helps you feel safe, heard and cared for.

Take the next step

Support during pregnancy and after birth can make a big difference. If you are interested in working with a doula, check your health plan and medical carrier to see what support may be available to you. You may have coverage or reimbursement options, depending on your plan.

Sources:

Bohren A, Hofmeyr G, Sakala C et al. Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017.

Quiray J, Richards E, Navarro-Aguirre Y et al. The role of doulas in supporting perinatal mental health – a qualitative study. Front Psychiatry. 2024.

Sobczak M, Taylor L, Solomon S et al. The effect of doulas on maternal and birth outcomes: A scoping review. National Library of Medicine, NIH. 2023.

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