What Exactly Does a Doula Do? (And Why Every Family Should Know)
If you’re expecting a baby, you’ve probably heard the word doula — but what does it actually mean? And why do some families swear by having one? Let’s dive in.
1. Continuous Support from Start to Finish
Imagine lying in your hospital bed, overwhelmed and exhausted, while your partner tries to help but isn’t sure what to do. Your doula arrives, and calmly guides you through breathing techniques, applies counter-pressure to your lower back, and reminds you to stay hydrated — turning a stressful experience into one that feels supported and manageable. It’s like remembering everything you learned from your prenatal class without having to remember!
A doula is there solely for you (and your partner) — unlike medical staff who juggle multiple patients and have many responsibilities, a doula’s job is to focus on your emotional, physical, and informational needs. A doula is there in addition to your primary care team, whether you’ve chosen an OB, and family physician or a midwife.
💡 Stat: Studies show that continuous labour support from a doula reduces the likelihood of cesarean birth by up to 25% and decreases labor length by an average of 2 hours.
2. Emotional & Physical Comfort
Pregnancy and birth can be intense. A doula offers calming support, helping you breathe through surges, relax your body, and feel empowered.
Examples of comfort measures:
- Gentle massage on tense shoulders or hips during labour
- Using a rebozo (a long woven scarf) to sway hips and ease pressure
- Suggesting labor positions that encourage baby to move down naturally
💡 Stat: Women with doula support report higher birth satisfaction scores, with 93% saying they felt supported and more confident during labour.
3. Evidence-Based Guidance
Doulas provide unbiased, research-backed information, so you can make decisions with confidence.
Say your doctor recommends an epidural early, but you want to know alternatives. Your doula helps by creating space for you to ask questions about nitrous oxide, water immersion, or how movement techniques can work — helping you weigh pros and cons and feel in control no matter what choice you make.
💡 Stat: Continuous doula support is linked to shorter labours and less need for pain medication in multiple studies.
4. Partner Support
Picture this: Your partner is applying counter-pressure on your lower back, following your doula’s instructions, and feels proud seeing how much relief it brings. Meanwhile, the doula ensures everything else runs smoothly — a dream team dynamic!
A doula doesn’t replace your partner — they help them navigate this new situation. Many first-time partners feel nervous or unsure in the delivery room. With a doula, they learn how to provide comfort measures, coach you through surges, and stay confident. Doulas also support partners by making sure they have what they need to be at their best – We certainly don’t need partners passing out because they haven’t eaten anything!
5. Why Every Family Should Know About Doulas
Doulas can make a real difference in your birth experience:
- Shorter labor: Continuous support reduces labor length by an average of 2 hours.
- Fewer interventions: Cesarean rates drop by up to 25%, and less synthetic oxytocin is needed.
- Better postpartum well-being: Mothers report feeling more confident and less anxious after birth.
Even if you have a fantastic medical team, a doula focuses entirely on your unique experience — offering reassurance, advocacy, hands-on and emotional support.
Bottom Line
A doula is your guide, cheerleader, and advocate. They help you feel informed, empowered, and deeply cared for — from your first trimester to postpartum recovery.
One client told me, “Having you there made me feel like I had a secret superpower — I could breathe, focus, trust my body and I felt safe .” That’s exactly what doulas do.
💡 Curious how a doula could support your birth journey? Reach out today — the right support can change everything!
Hi there! I’m Renée. I have been supporting families of all shapes, creeds and sizes through pregnancy, labour and early postpartum life for over a decade. I am here for you. Make yourself at home and be sure to reach out if you have any questions! 
