What does a doula actually do?
Updated: Oct 8
If you're interested in hiring a doula but don't really know what we do, then read ahead! If you don't know some one who is a doula, has worked with a doula or have never been pregnant before then it's not uncommon to have never heard of us before.
So I wanted to write this blog post to break it down simply, honestly, and without any pressure because understanding what doula support actually looks like might just change how you feel about your pregnancy, birth, and those early weeks with your baby.
So, what is a doula?
A doula is a trained birth and postnatal support person. Every doula is different and will come with different training and experience. We're not midwives or medical professionals so we don't carry out clinical checks or medical procedures. What we do is provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after your birth.
Your doula is there for you and only you. To hold your hand, help you feel calm, remind you of your options, and make sure you feel supported every single step of the way.
And crucially, doula support isn't one size fits all. What that looks like is completely different for every family.
Some families want a doula who is right there, physically present, using comfort techniques, counter pressure, breathing reminders, helping them move through labour with every surge. Hands on, active, fully in it with them.
And some families simply want the peace of mind of knowing someone is there. That if they need support, it's available. That they're not navigating it alone. That there's someone they trust they can turn to if things feel uncertain.
Neither is wrong. Neither is less valid. And my role is to follow your lead, not to take over, not to tell you what to do, but to hold space for whatever you need in that moment.
What support do I offer as a doula?
This depends on if you book for the whole package from pregnancy through to postnatal or if you choose to have support in specific parts of your journey.
Antenatal support (before your birth)
This is where we get to know each other and build trust. We'll talk about your hopes for your birth, go through your options, cover things like hypnobirthing, what happens during labour, how to write a birth plan, comfort techniques, and how your birth partner can support you. Everything you need to approach your birth feeling supported and prepared.
Birth support (during labour and birth)
This is where I'm with you, whether that's virtually or in person. Continuous support during labour has been shown to make a real difference to how labour unfolds and how people feel about their birth experience. I can help with positioning, breathing, comfort techniques, and just be a calm, familiar face in the room for you and your birth partner. I can also help with advocacy and make sure your wishes are heard.
Postnatal support (after your baby arrives)
The fourth trimester is real, and it can be overwhelming. Postnatal doula support is about nurturing you while you nurture your baby. That might be feeding support, baby wearing, a listening ear for a birth debrief, or just someone to hold the baby while you have a hot shower and a proper meal, or emotional reassurance.
How can you work with me?
I offer a variety of packages depending on what support you're looking for:
Hypnobirthing only
Virtual doula support - for pregnancy, birth & postnatal support
In person doula support - for pregnancy, birth & postnatal support
In person postnatal support - support for you & your family in those first few weeks/months of having a new baby in the family
All packages can be customised and payment plans are available. Just reach out and we'll figure something out.
Is a doula right for you?
If any of these sound familiar, it might be worth a conversation:
You know you want more for your support than the NHS can offer you
You feel anxious about your birth and want to feel more informed and confident
You want continuous, familiar support from someone who knows you and your wishes
Your birth partner is nervous and would benefit from having support too
You're planning a home birth, VBAC, or have a specific birth vision you want to protect
You know the postnatal period will be full on and you'd love some practical, caring help
You just want to know someone is there, whatever happens
A quick note on what a doula is not
A doula is not your midwife - we don't replace medical care (though some may choose not to have medical care through their pregnancy). My role is to support you to feel informed and empowered to make the decisions that are right for you.
If you've been curious about doula support, I'd love to hear from you. You can book a free 30 minute discovery call or drop me an email: emma.lovebirth@outlook.com - I'm always happy to chat.
Emma x
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