Doula
A trained, non-medical professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to families before, during, and after childbirth.
What is doula?
A doula is not a medical provider. Birth doulas support the laboring parent through labor and delivery; postpartum doulas help families adjust to life with a newborn through feeding support, newborn care education, and household help. Research from organizations like DONA International and Cochrane reviews show that continuous doula support is associated with shorter labors and fewer interventions.
Benefits
- Continuous emotional and physical support during labor
- Evidence-based educational guidance
- Postpartum recovery and feeding support
Risks & considerations
- Not a substitute for medical care from an OB, midwife, or pediatrician
Frequently asked questions
Doula vs midwife?▾
A midwife is a licensed medical provider who can deliver a baby. A doula provides non-medical support — emotional, physical, and informational — to families before, during, and after birth.
Does insurance cover a doula?▾
Coverage is growing — some states (CA, NY, NJ, RI, OR) now mandate Medicaid doula coverage, and a growing number of private insurers offer reimbursement. Ask your doula for a superbill.