What Is a Doula? Roles, Types, and How They Help
Birth doulas, postpartum doulas, and the evidence behind continuous support.
8 min read
Definition
A doula is a trained non-clinical professional who provides emotional, informational, and physical support before, during, and after childbirth. Doulas do not perform medical tasks.
Types
- Birth doula — supports labor and delivery, on call from ~37 weeks.
- Postpartum doula — supports the first weeks at home: newborn care, feeding, parent recovery.
- Bereavement doula — specialized support for loss.
What the research shows
Continuous labor support is associated with shorter labors, fewer interventions, and higher satisfaction with the birth experience.
How to hire
Interview 2–3 candidates by week 28. Look for certification (DONA, CAPPA, ProDoula), backup arrangements, and a clear contract.