What Does a Doula Do (And What We Don’t Do)
If you’ve ever wondered whether you “need” a doula — or what we actually do during labor and postpartum — you’re not alone.
There’s a lot of confusion about our role. Are we medical? Are we like a midwife? Do we replace partners? Do we just rub your back and whisper affirmations?
Let’s clear it up.
A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and/or the postpartum period. We are not medical providers — and that distinction is important. Our role is support, advocacy, education, and presence.
Here’s what that really means.
1. Provides Continuous Support
Unlike nurses or OBs who may rotate shifts or manage multiple patients, a doula stays with you. From active labor until after baby is born, we are there — steady, grounding, and attentive.
Research consistently shows that continuous labor support can lead to:
Lower rates of cesarean birth
Reduced need for pain medication
Shorter labors
Higher satisfaction with the birth experience
Our presence alone can change the tone of a room.
Did you know that while most Doulas are on call from around 37 weeks, or full term, Doulas of Capitol Hill are aware that birth can happen in any window of time during pregnancy. We are committed to being there to support you whenever that may be.
2. Offers Physical Comfort Measures
We are trained in hands-on comfort techniques that help your body work more efficiently in labor. This might include:
Counter pressure
Hip squeezes
Position changes
Rebozo techniques
Breath guidance
Movement suggestions
Creating a calm, low-stimulation environment
Comfort measures aren’t just about pain relief — they help baby descend and encourage labor to progress.
3. Provides Emotional Support
Birth is physical — but it is also emotional.
We hold space for fear, doubt, excitement, intensity, and vulnerability. We normalize what’s happening. We remind you that you’re capable. We help you stay grounded when things feel overwhelming.
For many families, the most valuable part of having a doula is simply knowing someone is fully there for them.
4. Helps You Understand Your Options
Doulas provide evidence-based information so you can make informed decisions.
If your provider suggests an intervention, we may help you think through questions like:
What are the benefits?
What are the risks?
Are there alternatives?
Is this urgent, or do we have time?
We don’t make decisions for you — we help you feel confident making your own. Being able to advocate confidently for yourself is an important and empowering aspect of birth.
5. Supports Your Partner
We do not replace partners.
In fact, we often help partners feel more confident and involved. We guide them in comfort techniques, remind them to eat and hydrate, and create space for them to take breaks when needed.
When partners feel supported, they show up even stronger.
For more information on partner support, read this blog
6. Postpartum Support
Postpartum doulas focus on the fourth trimester. That support may include:
Newborn care guidance
Feeding support
Emotional check-ins
Light household tasks
Nourishment reminders
Helping families rest
We protect your recovery and help you transition into parenthood with more confidence and less isolation.
What a Doula Does Not Do
Just as important as what we do is what we do not do.
1. We Do Not Provide Medical Care
We do not:
Perform cervical checks
Deliver babies
Administer medication
Diagnose medical conditions
Make clinical decisions
That is the role of your OB, midwife, or nurse.
2. We Do Not Speak Over You
We will never advocate for you we will always advocate for you to advocate for yourself. Being a doula does not mean arguing with your provider or making choices on your behalf.
Our role is to help you find your voice — not replace it.
3. We Do Not Guarantee a Specific Birth Outcome
We cannot promise:
A medication-free birth
A vaginal birth
A specific timeline
That plans won’t change
Birth is dynamic. Our goal is not control — it’s support and informed choice no matter how your story unfolds.
4. We Do Not Judge Your Choices
Epidural? Induction? Planned cesarean? Home birth?
A doula’s role is not tied to a specific birth philosophy. We support your goals — not ours.
So… Do You Need a Doula?
You don’t “need” a doula to have a healthy baby.
But many families choose one because they want:
Continuous support throughout pregnancy and labor
A calmer birth environment
Confidence in decision-making
Emotional steadiness
A more empowered postpartum transition
Birth is a major life event. It deserves preparation, protection, and presence.
A doula doesn’t replace your medical team — we complement it.
And sometimes, knowing someone is fully in your corner makes all the difference.
If you’re curious whether doula support would feel right for you, we’d love to talk more about your hopes, questions, and vision for birth and postpartum.