What is a doula?

Hi there,
Chelbie here. Have you ever thought about hiring a doula but are not quite sure what a doula actually does? Or maybe this is your first time hearing the word “doula” and you are wondering, “A what?” Either way, this article is for you. My hope is that after reading, you will feel comfortable, confident, and genuinely curious about the care and support a doula can bring to your birth journey because you deserve it.

So, what is the history of a birth doula?

The idea of having someone support you during birth is not new. In fact, birth support appears in stone carvings and ancient statues, showing us that this practice dates back to early human history. The word “doula” comes from Greek and was originally used to mean “female servant for childbearing women.” In more recent times, the role of the doula grew out of the natural birth movement in the United States, as people began seeking low intervention and unmedicated birth options. Families started inviting trusted friends and knowledgeable supporters to guide them through the birth and postpartum experience.

What is a doula?

Today, a doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after birth. Doulas are not medical professionals, but they offer continuous, compassionate care that helps families feel supported and informed at every step of the journey.

Types of doulas

There are several kinds of doulas, each supporting different parts of the reproductive experience. Let us take a look at a few.

Birth doulas
A birth doula supports you through pregnancy, labor, and birth. They can be hired at any point in your pregnancy, and once hired, they are usually accessible by phone or text when you have questions or need support. Most birth doulas offer prenatal meetings where you get to know each other, learn about your options, and prepare together for your upcoming birth. Around 37 to 38 weeks, birth doulas become available to join you whenever labor begins. They offer continuous support, help you understand your choices, and assist with comfort measures. They are also there to support your partner by guiding them, reminding them to care for themselves, and stepping in so they can rest when needed. Partners and doulas work beautifully together, each bringing something essential to the birth space.

Postpartum doulas
A postpartum doula helps you transition into life with your baby. While the baby snuggles are magical, this support is really about nurturing the whole family through a time of great change. Postpartum doulas offer non judgemental guidance on newborn care, feeding, sleep, and household rhythms. They also support physical recovery and emotional well being, creating space for you to rest and bond with your baby. Some even offer overnight care to help everyone get more sleep.

Full spectrum doulas
A full spectrum doula, like myself, supports people across the entire reproductive journey. This includes fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and pregnancy loss such as miscarriage, abortion, or stillbirth. Full spectrum doulas can be contacted at any time, and we offer informed, compassionate care tailored to each individual’s needs. Whether you are seeking guidance during fertility struggles, preparing for a planned abortion, or navigating loss, a full spectrum doula will walk alongside you with knowledge and care.

What doulas do not do
Doulas do not perform clinical tasks like taking blood pressure, checking fetal heart tones, or doing vaginal exams. We do not make decisions for you or speak for you. And we do not deliver your baby. Instead, we support you to feel confident in making your own choices, and we help hold space for your voice to be heard.

How to find the right doula for you

Every doula brings a unique set of skills and offerings. Some might also be trained in massage, energy work, or childbirth education. Others may specialize in specific birth settings like home birth or hospital birth. To begin your search, you might try websites like doulamatch dot com, bcdoulas dot org for BC residents, or even a simple local Google search. Think about what is important to you. Do you want a certified doula? Someone nearby? Someone who shares your values or cultural background? Read their bios carefully and notice how their words make you feel. Trust your instincts. This is someone you will be inviting into a very intimate moment of your life.

When you find a few potential doulas, reach out and schedule a free consultation. During this time, check in with how you feel. Are you at ease with them? Do you feel seen and heard? The right doula for you will feel like a safe and grounding presence.

How much does a doula cost?

Doula rates can vary a lot depending on location, experience, and services offered. If cost is a barrier, many doulas offer sliding scale rates or payment plans. I certainly do. There are also local funding options and grants available through organizations such as the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, BC Doulas, and the Vancouver Foundation.

Creative ways to afford doula support

Think about adding doula care to your baby shower registry. Instead of receiving extra baby clothes or gear, friends and family can contribute to the gift of support. You could also request postpartum care, meal services, or house cleaning in place of traditional gifts. Some doulas are even open to trades if you have a skill or service they might find useful. It never hurts to ask.

Now what?

Now that you have a clearer understanding of what a doula does, you are ready to find the right support and begin your journey toward an informed, supported, and empowering birth.

Check out more questions like when to hire a doula and learn about the difference between a doula and a midwife here.