--- title: "What is a Doula and How Do They Work With Doctors & Midwives?" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.drlizaklassen.com/blog/what-is-a-doula" markdown_url: "https://www.drlizaklassen.com/llms/blog/what-is-a-doula" lastmod: "2024-11-07T23:26:00.000Z" --- You’ve likely heard the term doula before, and maybe know they are part of the pregnancy and birthing experience, but maybe aren’t exactly sure what they do and how they interact with the larger or western medical system. When I was pregnant, a friend of mine who was parents to twins INSISTED I hire a doula. To be honest, I had no idea what they did exactly, but because I was a bit nervous about having a baby, and trusted my friend implicitly, I decided to hire one anyway. And here I am, 5 years later with a 4-year-old, and I am 1 of co-founders of an in-home doula care business, [Brood](https://broodcare.com). And although not everyone will love their doula so much that they start a doula care agency with them, I do want to explain exactly what they do, and why you might want to consider hiring one! I can tell you from experience, it was this life-saving care that allowed me to be the best parent possible. A doula is a professional care provider who offers non-medical, continuous support to parents before, during, and after birth, focusing on physical, emotional, and informational needs. Doulas don’t perform medical procedures or diagnose, but they provide essential comfort, advocacy, and guidance to help parents navigate their birthing experience with confidence and peace of mind. In partnership with medical professionals like midwives and obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYNs), doulas enhance the birthing process, offering a steady presence that can make a significant difference in both immediate experiences and long-term memories of childbirth. ## What Exactly Does a Doula Do? Doulas offer a range of services designed to support the unique journey of each family. This can include educating parents on what to expect in the birthing process, helping craft a birth plan, teaching pain management and relaxation techniques, and preparing for postpartum recovery. During labour, doulas provide hands-on comfort measures like massage, breathing guidance, and emotional encouragement, helping parents stay calm and focused. After birth, they support early bonding and feeding, helping to ease the transition into parenthood. There are various types of doulas, but the most common are birth and postpartum doulas. Birth doulas assist during pregnancy and labour, providing continuous support throughout the childbirth experience. Postpartum doulas focus on the period after birth, offering help with newborn care, parental recovery, and household support, all aimed at creating a nurturing environment during the challenging postpartum period. ## How Do Doulas Work With Midwives and OB-GYNs? One of the most common questions expectant parents have is the difference between a doula , a midwife, and an OB-GYN—and whether they need to choose between them. The answer is no; these professionals often work together to create a comprehensive care team that addresses all aspects of childbirth, from medical safety to emotional support. - Doulas focus on emotional and physical comfort, advocacy, and practical support, helping parents make informed decisions. They are especially valuable for their continuity of care, as they stay with the family through labour, regardless of shift changes or medical schedules. They are not medically trained professionals like Midwives or OB-GYNs but are an essential emotional support person. - Midwives are medically trained professionals who handle prenatal care, monitor the health of the birthing parent and baby, and can deliver babies. They focus on low-intervention approaches and can attend births in hospitals, birth centers, or homes. They often collaborate with OB-GYNs for higher-risk pregnancies or if medical intervention is necessary. - OB-GYNs are medical doctors specializing in pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive health. They manage high-risk pregnancies, perform surgeries (like cesarean sections), and provide care in hospitals. Their expertise is invaluable for medical and clinical needs during childbirth. Doulas, midwives, and OB-GYNs bring unique strengths to the birthing team. While OB-GYNs and midwives manage medical concerns, doulas provide continuous emotional and physical support, helping to bridge any gaps in communication or comfort that may arise. Together, they form a balanced team, offering comprehensive care that addresses medical, emotional, and logistical needs. ## Why Consider Hiring a Doula? Studies have shown that continuous doula support can lead to better birth outcomes, including fewer interventions like cesarean sections, lower rates of epidural use, and higher satisfaction with the birth experience. Doulas are also associated with higher rates of breastfeeding and reduced postpartum anxiety and depression. For families, this can mean a smoother, more empowered transition into parenthood. Here are some of the key benefits of having a doula: - Continuous Support: Doulas provide steady, uninterrupted support, helping parents feel safe and supported throughout labour, even if shifts change among medical staff. - Advocacy: Doulas act as advocates for the parents’ birth plan, helping communicate preferences to medical staff and ensuring the family’s voice is heard. - Non-Medical Comfort Measures: From massage techniques to breathing exercises, doulas provide physical comfort that can reduce the need for pain medication and other interventions. - Emotional and Informational Support: Doulas help parents process the emotions of childbirth, providing evidence-based information to help with decision-making. - Postpartum Transition: With postpartum doulas, families receive hands-on assistance with newborn care, parental recovery, and emotional support, making the early days of parenthood less overwhelming. ## How to Find and Choose the Right Doula For You Finding the right doula involves considering your family’s needs, the type of birth experience you want, and any specific support you might need postpartum. Some families find doulas through referrals, healthcare providers, or trusted agencies like Brood, where all doulas are thoroughly vetted and trained. At Brood, we select doulas who meet high standards of care. Each doula has completed a comprehensive training program, is CPR-certified, and has passed a criminal background check. This ensures that the care you receive is not only professional but also safe, compassionate, and reliable. Many families choose to start looking for a doula in the first or second trimester to allow ample time to find the right match. At Brood, we take the time to get to know each family, matching them with a doula who aligns with their values, preferences, and practical needs. ## Conclusion: Creating a Supportive, Empowering Birth Experience Doulas bring a compassionate, empowering approach to childbirth, filling in the gaps that medical providers may not cover. By working collaboratively with midwives and OB-GYNs, they offer a holistic approach to pregnancy and postpartum care, addressing the emotional and practical aspects of welcoming a new baby. For families looking for continuous support, guidance, and comfort during this transformative time, hiring a doula can be a deeply rewarding choice. Whether you’re a first-time parent or expanding your family, a doula can help you feel confident, informed, and supported every step of the way. About the Author ## Gillian Damborg Co-founder of [Brood Care Inc](https://broodcare.com)., an in-home family care agency focused on supporting families with the power of doulas.