What is a Doula

What is a Doula?

Doulas have been around for centuries, attending childbirth, and providing physical and emotional support during the labor and delivery process. These birth workers were traditionally prominent in African American communities and served as healers and spiritual guides. Before the 1930’s women typically gave birth at home with their midwife, family and friends. During this time most midwives were practicing in rural areas and were known as “granny midwives”; individuals who learned their trade on their own.

Why are Doulas Needed?

Only 5% of births occurred in hospitals in the 1900’s. The shift to hospital births began in the 20^th century as a result of increased regulation and medical advances such as the use of antibiotics, oxytocin, and blood transfusions. Between the late 19th century and the mid-20th century there was a dramatic change in the obstetric care of women. More physicians, mostly men, in the late 19th century began dominating obstetric care and replacing midwives, who were mostly women. According to the National Institute of Health, a study was conducted finding that home births attended to by midwives during this time actually had the lowest maternal death rate and that approximately two-thirds of the maternal deaths that occurred in hospital were preventable. The causes of maternal death, in order of prevalence, were found to be puerperal sepsis, eclampsia, hemorrhage, and accidents. Mothers began once more relying on doulas for emotional support and physical support in labor. Doulas are able to advocate for patients rights and health equity further improving health outcomes and decrease maternal and fetal/ newborn mortality rates. Moreover, over time, acknowledgement of these risks resulted in changes in the practice of obstetrics and, along with scientific advancement such as the discovery of antibiotics in 1929, the maternal mortality rate declined to where it is today. In 1992, DONA International was founded and became the first organization to train and certify doulas.

What do Doulas do?

Doulas can provide personalized guidance through pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum. Doulas provide evidence-based information to help you make informed decisions in your care, provide emotional support, and provide physical support to women and their families before, during, and after childbirth.

Doulas help:

Explain what’s going on, procedures, options, medical jargon etc.
Communicate needs and preferences
Create a birth plan
Support in labor with comfort measures
Instill confidence
Provide resources and referrals
Initiate breastfeeding
Postpartum care
Newborn care
Care for siblings
Light house-work

What Are The Benefits of Having a Doula

Having a doula can help you feel informed and empowered to achieve your ideal birth outcome.

Statistics show the following regarding doulas:

Doulas shorten labor
Doulas reduce the need for pain medicine during labor
Doulas reduce the risk of cesarean births
Doulas decrease the need for interventions and assistive devices such as forceps or suction

Will My Partner be Able to Participate in My Birth if We Get a Doula?

Doulas do not take the role of partners in birth. In fact doulas can provide support to your partner too! Doulas work with you and your family as a team to provide support and comfort measures. I love to involve partners and show them massage and counter-pressure techniques to use to help in labor. Doulas also provide reassurance to partners, making sure their needs are met, so they are better equipped to participate at their own comfort level.

Can Doulas Assist With Cesarean Births?

Doulas can help an expectant mother prepare and plan for both scheduled and emergent c-sections. A doula can provide you with knowledge about options to enhance your experience that you may wish to consider if a c-section is necessary. Furthermore, doulas can pray with you if desired and provide relaxation techniques while preparing for surgery and during the birth. Afterwards, if baby must go to the NICU immediately after birth, your partner is able to follow baby to the NICU and your doula can stay with you to ensure your well-being. Once baby begins to show feeding cues a doula as assist with initiating breastfeeding, hand expression, or pumping. In the first few weeks postpartum a doula can help you process your birth, and offer resources such as support groups, massage therapist, lactation consultations and more

How to Find the Right Doula for You?

Finding a supportive birth team is imperative in achieving good birth outcomes.

Some things to consider when searching for the right doula for you:

Training
Certification
Experience
Services offered
Compatibility
Availability
Associated fees

Furthermore, choosing a doula isn’t just about credentials—it’s about chemistry, trust, and feeling truly seen.

Here’s how to find the one who feels right for you:

1. Know What Type of Support You Want

Birth doula? Postpartum? Full-spectrum? Nervous system-informed?

Start by getting clear on what kind of presence you’re looking for.

Ask: What phase do I need support in? What kind of energy do I want around me?

2. Ask About Their Philosophy

Every doula has a unique approach.

Some are more clinical, others spiritual. Some hands-on, others intuitive.

Ask: How do you approach birth/postpartum support? How do you hold space during challenges?

3. Check Their Cultural Awareness & Inclusivity

Especially important for Black and Brown birthing people.

You deserve someone who honors your lived experience, respects your traditions, and actively works against bias.

Ask: How do you support clients from diverse backgrounds?

4. Pay Attention to How You Feel in Their Presence

Do you feel relaxed, affirmed, and safe? Or unsure, talked over, or judged?

Your nervous system will tell you if it’s a good match.

Trust your body.

5. Ask About Boundaries & Availability

Make sure their schedule, communication style, and response time match your needs.

Ask: How many clients do you take per month? How do we stay in touch?

6. Look for Alignment, Not Perfection

The “right” doula doesn’t mean the fanciest, most followed, or most experienced.

It’s the one who feels like the right fit—for your values, your energy, and your healing.

You deserve a doula who supports your power—not just your birth.

Take your time. Ask questions. Trust your instincts.

Wishing you the best in your journey.

How to Find a Doula Near Me?

To find a local doula consider the following:

1. Online Directories:

DoulaMatch: This website allows you to search for doulas by location and date, and also provides information on their availability.

DONA International: Their website offers a directory of certified doulas
Virginia Certification Board: This website offers a directory of Virginia state certified doulas able to accept Virginia Medicaid insurance.

Bornbir: This website is an online directory of maternal health services throughout fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.

2. Local Recommendations:

Join a local moms facebook group & Ask friends and family: See if anyone has had positive experiences with local doulas

Remember this is your birth story. Take your time. Have at least three good picks to interview. Go with your intuition.

-Jas

State Certified Full Spectrum Doula

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JAS THE DOULA