Doulas show up in very human, hands-on ways—before, during, and after birth—focused on emotional support, physical comfort, and advocacy. Here’s what that usually looks like in real life, not just job-description language:
Before birth
- Build trust & relationship: lots of listening, getting to know the client’s fears, hopes, culture, and preferences.
- Education & prep: explaining birth options, pain management, interventions, and helping clients feel informed—not overwhelmed.
- Birth planning: supporting clients in clarifying what matters to them and how to communicate that to providers.
- Emotional grounding: normalizing fears, validating feelings, helping clients feel capable instead of “unprepared.”
During labor & birth
- Continuous presence: staying with the client when others rotate in and out.
- Physical comfort: hands-on support like massage, counterpressure, positioning, breathing cues, heat/cold, movement, and rest.
- Emotional reassurance: calm voice, encouragement, reminders of strength when things get intense.
- Advocacy support: helping clients ask questions, understand options, and feel empowered to consent or decline—without speaking for them.
- Partner support: guiding partners on how to help, and giving them breaks when needed.
After birth
- Processing the experience: talking through what happened, especially if things didn’t go as planned.
- Early postpartum support: feeding support (within scope), newborn care tips, rest and recovery check-ins.
- Emotional care: noticing mood shifts, offering reassurance, and flagging when extra support might be needed.
- Continuity: being a familiar face in a time that can feel disorienting.
At the core
Doulas don’t replace medical providers—they hold the emotional and physical space so clients feel seen, heard, and supported. They show up with consistency, calm, and respect for the client’s autonomy.