What Is a Doula and How Can She Support You During Pregnancy and Childbirth?

What Is a Doula?

A doula is a non-medical support professional trained to assist pregnant people and their partners before, during, and after birth. A doula doesn’t replace doctors or nurses — instead, she adds to the care team by offering continuous, personalized emotional and practical support.

Doulas focus on the family’s unique needs and offer calm, reassuring support throughout the journey. They’re often experienced in various birth scenarios and can help create a peaceful atmosphere in the delivery room. Rather than speaking for the birthing person, they support you in identifying and expressing your own needs, reminding you of previous conversations, and explaining your options as they come up.

What Kind of Support Does a Doula Offer?

A doula’s support depends on what you want during pregnancy and birth:

• Emotional support – presence, encouragement, reassurance, and empathy.
• Physical support – massage, breathing assistance, and help with labor positions.
• Information – explanations about birth options, medical procedures, and your rights.
• Support for partners – advice, reassurance, and relief for your birth partner.
• Postpartum support – some doulas offer help after birth, like with breastfeeding or recovery.

Research on Doulas – Do They Really Help?

Multiple studies show that people who had a doula during labor were more likely to feel satisfied with their birth experience. Research also links doulas to lower rates of medical interventions like pain medication and C-sections, and even shorter labors.
It’s not about achieving a “perfect” birth — it’s about feeling seen, supported, and empowered throughout the process.

Do I Need a Doula?

That’s completely up to you! Some people feel well-supported by their partner or healthcare providers. Others feel safer having someone by their side who’s just there for them — someone who won’t rotate out during a hospital shift and who’s always there to listen.

If you're feeling nervous about birth, have unique needs, or just want an extra layer of support, hiring a doula might be a great choice.

How Do I Find a Doula?

In many countries, especially across the Nordics, Western Europe, and the U.S. there are well-established networks and organizations where you can find trained doulas. In Sweden, for example, there’s ODIS (the Swedish Doula and Birth Educator Association), and in Norway, you’ll find Doula Norge. In the U.S., services like DoulaMatch or DONA International are widely used.

Most doulas offer a free consultation so you can see if it’s a good fit. You can also search online for doulas in your area, ask in parenting groups, or get recommendations from your OB or midwife.