Different Types of Doulas – What Are the Options?

What is a doula?

A doula is a non-medical support person who helps during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Their support can be emotional, informational, and practical. The goal is to help you feel safe, supported, and empowered to have a positive experience, whatever that looks like for you.

1. Birth doula

This is the most familiar type of doula. A birth doula:

• Meets with the expecting parent and their partner/support person before birth
• Educates about the stages of labor, body processes, and different birth options
• May offer private childbirth classes like hypnobirthing or Lamaze
• Is available when labor begins
• Offers help with contractions, breathing, positions, and relaxation
• Supports the partner before, during, and after delivery

Benefits:
A birth doula provides continuous, calm support during labor, no matter the location or birth method. They help both you and your partner feel informed, confident, and cared for.

2. Postpartum doula

A postpartum doula focuses on the weeks and months after the birth. She might:

• Assist with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
• Offer emotional support through the adjustment period
• Help with chores or caring for older siblings
• Provide a listening ear during the transition to parenthood

Benefits:
A smoother adjustment to life with a new baby, with emotional and practical help at home.

3. Full-spectrum doula

A full-spectrum doula offers support throughout the entire reproductive journey, including:

• Fertility support
• Support through miscarriage or abortion
• Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care

Benefits:
Support through both the joyful and painful moments, with a whole-person approach.

4. Fertility doula

A fertility doula helps those trying to conceive—whether naturally, through IVF, or with other methods.

• Offers emotional support during the often stressful waiting period
• Helps manage feelings of frustration or uncertainty
• May provide guidance on cycle awareness and fertility tracking

Benefits:
Thoughtful support during a deeply emotional time that’s often overlooked by the medical system.

5. Abortion and loss doula

A doula who specializes in supporting:

• Planned or spontaneous abortion
• Miscarriage or stillbirth
• Emotional healing after pregnancy loss

Benefits:
Compassionate, non-judgmental support during a part of the journey that’s often stigmatized or silenced.

6. Breastfeeding doula

Some doulas have extra training in lactation and can help with:

• Starting out with breastfeeding
• Techniques, positions, and latching
• Transitioning to bottle-feeding if desired

Benefits:
Support for a smooth start to feeding—or help when it doesn’t go to plan.

How do you choose the right doula for you?

It depends on your stage and your needs. Ask yourself:

• Where am I in this process?
• What kind of support do I want?
• Do I need help with one phase or ongoing support?

Many doulas take on multiple roles—for example, both birth and postpartum—and can adapt their services to your personal situation.

Also read:
What is a doula and how can she help during pregnancy and birth?