Different types of doulas – what are your options?

What is a doula?

A doula is someone who offers non-medical support during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. This support can be emotional, informational or practical – or all three. The goal is to create a sense of safety, empower the birthing person, and contribute to a positive experience, no matter how the journey unfolds.

1. Birth doula

This is the most well-known type of doula. A birth doula:

• Meets with the pregnant person and their partner/support person before the birth
• Provides education about labour stages, the body’s process and birth options
• Often offers private childbirth preparation classes, such as hypnobirthing
• Is available when labour begins
• Offers support with contractions, breathing, positions and relaxation techniques
• Supports the partner before, during and after the birth

Benefits:
A birth doula offers calm, continuous support throughout the entire labour – regardless of location or type of birth. Their presence helps both you and your partner feel prepared, supported and cared for during the whole experience.

2. Postpartum doula

A postpartum doula focuses on the period after birth. She may:

• Support with breastfeeding or bottle feeding
• Help with emotional adjustments
• Assist with household tasks or older siblings
• Be a listening ear as you adjust to new parenthood

Benefits:
A smoother transition into life with a baby, with practical and emotional support at home.

3. Full-spectrum doula

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

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

Benefits:
Support through both joyful and difficult experiences, with care for the whole person.

4. Fertility doula

A fertility doula helps individuals or couples trying to conceive – whether naturally, through IVF, or other methods.

• Offers emotional support during a potentially stressful time
• Helps with managing uncertainty, frustration and waiting
• May provide tips on cycle tracking and fertility awareness

Benefits:
Compassionate support during a phase that’s often overlooked by traditional healthcare, but emotionally intense.

5. Abortion and loss doula

A specialised doula who provides support during:

• Spontaneous or planned abortion
• Miscarriage or stillbirth
• Emotional recovery after pregnancy loss

Benefits:
Empathetic, non-judgmental support during a highly sensitive and often taboo aspect of reproductive life.

6. Breastfeeding doula

Some doulas specialise in breastfeeding and can support with:

• Getting started with nursing
• Positioning and latch technique
• Transitioning to bottle feeding, if desired

Benefits:
A confident start to your feeding journey – or support when things don’t go as planned.

How do you choose the right type of doula?

It depends on where you are in your journey and what kind of support you need. Ask yourself:

• What stage am I at?
• What kind of support am I looking for?
• Do I need help with a specific phase or the whole journey?

Many doulas combine roles – for example, working as both a birth and postpartum doula – and can tailor their support to your needs.

Read more:
What is a doula and how can she support during pregnancy and birth?