Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a doula and a midwife? 

This is the most common question we get! The simplest answer is that your midwife (or OB-GYN) is a medical professional responsible for your physical health and the baby's safety. They deliver the baby, monitor vitals, and manage any medical interventions.

A doula is a non-medical professional responsible for your emotional, physical, and informational support. We are there for you continuously, providing comfort measures, advocacy, and education to help you have a positive and empowered experience.

Think of it this way: your medical provider is focused on a safe outcome. Your doula is focused on a positive experience. We are two essential parts of your birth team.

What are the benefits of having a doula?

The primary benefit is having continuous, dedicated support from a trained professional who is there just for you. We don't change shifts like hospital staff, and we are 100% focused on your comfort and needs.

Beyond that, research consistently shows that the presence of a doula is linked to:

• A shorter labor

• Reduced need for pain relief medication

• Decreased likelihood of induction or interventions

• Lower rates of instrumental or C-section births

• A more positive overall birth experience and memory

When should you hire a doula?

You can hire a doula at any point, but most families start their search during the second trimester (around 20-28 weeks). This gives you ample time to interview a few people, find someone you connect with, and have prenatal visits to build a strong, trusting relationship before the birth.

That said, it's never too late! We often get calls from families in their third trimester. The most important thing is finding the right support for you.

Will my partner still have a role if I hire a doula?

Absolutely! This is one of our favorite questions. We don't replace your partner—we support them, too.

Your partner knows you intimately and loves you. We know birth professionally. Together, we make an incredible team. A doula's presence allows your partner to be as involved as they want to be, without having to be the *only* support person. We can offer suggestions for comfort, give them a break to eat or rest (labor can be long!), and provide reassurance so they can focus on emotionally connecting with you.

What does a postpartum doula do?

A postpartum doula supports the family *after* the baby arrives, during the "fourth trimester." While a baby nurse's job is to care for the baby, a postpartum doula's job is to care for the new mother.

This support can look like:

• Helping you process your birth experience

• Providing breastfeeding or bottle feeding support 

• Teaching newborn care (bathing, swaddling, etc.)

• Holding the baby so you can shower, nap, or rest

• Screening for postpartum mood disorders and offering resources

What other kinds of doulas are there?

The doula model of support is so powerful that it's been adapted for many of life's major transitions. "Full-spectrum" doulas may offer support across many of these, while others specialize. You might also hear about:

• Fertility Doulas: Supporting those trying to conceive.

• Bereavement Doulas: Supporting families through miscarriage or loss.

• Adoption Doulas: Supporting adoptive parents.

• Death Doulas: Providing non-medical support for end-of-life transitions.

Can I have a doula if I have a birth in the hospital? If I have a c-section?

YES! And yes. This is a common myth, but in many ways, having a doula in a hospital setting is even *more* valuable.

A doula is your advocate and constant support in that environment. We can help you understand your options, navigate hospital policy, and implement comfort measures. We are there for you when nurses change shifts or your doctor is with another patient.

If you are planning an epidural or a C-section, we are there to support you. For a C-section, we can help you prepare for the surgery, provide emotional support in the operating room (policy-permitting), and be there in recovery to help with the first latch and ensure you feel safe and cared for as you meet your baby.

What is a doula?

Whether you give birth in a hospital, birth center, or at home, doulas are trained professionals who provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after childbirth.

Before birth, they guide you through birth planning and education. During labor, they offer comfort measures, advocacy, and steady presence. Afterward, they help you process your experience and adjust to postpartum life.

Research shows that the presence of a doula:

• Reduces the need for pain medication

• Shortens labor

• Decreases the likelihood of induction, instrumental delivery, and cesarean section