A midwife is a healthcare provider who offers medical care during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Midwives work at all kinds of birthing locations including hospitals, birth centers, and in private homes. A doula, on the other hand, is not a medical practitioner. Doulas provide emotional, physical, educational, and sometimes spiritual support during labor. A doula can help foster a positive relationship between you and your healthcare provider and if hired early enough, a doula can help you navigate what kind of healthcare provider is a good fit for you.

Absolutely! A doula can be a very valuable member of your support team at a hospital birth. Your doula can help you determine when is the right time to head to the hospital, advocate for you and your birth preferences once you’ve been admitted, and help you navigate any medical interventions that may be suggested by giving you up-to-date evidence-based information. It’s understandable to assume that the nursing staff will be by your side, giving you continuous physical support, but that is rarely the case because of how busy most nurses are. There might be a lot of staff coming in and out of the room, changing shifts, and it’s very easy for your birth preferences to get lost in the chaos so your doula will be there to make sure everyone is always on the same page.

Not at all! Many doulas believe that a supportive partner is their greatest asset. Partners are highly encouraged to attend all prenatal visits and your doula will work with your partner to show them how best they can support you during your labor. Doulas also provide support to partners both prenatally and during labor whether it’s holding space for their own thoughts and feelings, reminding them to hydrate and nourish during labor, or just to affirm that they’re doing a great job supporting you.

Every doula conducts their prenatal visits a bit differently but typically speaking, prenatal visits are a time for you and your doula to get to know each other better and map out your preferences. Your doula will help you create your birth plan, teach you (and your partner, if applicable) different comfort measures or laboring positions, and provide evidence-based information on different options available to you. Your prenatal visit is your time to ask all the questions you want and express and unpack any fears or anxiety you might have about birth. Most doulas will also help prepare you for immediate postpartum and provide resources ahead of time so you feel secure and prepared beforehand.

This is a decision that you’ll discuss with your doula during your prenatals as well as during your labor. Generally speaking, most doulas join their clients at the start of active labor as that’s usually when most people are ready for the extra support. However, you’ll likely be in contact with your doula throughout early labor so you can decide together when the best time is to meet.

Yes. Doulas support all kinds of births, including medicated births. Some people want no pain medication, some want to hold off on medication for as long as possible, and others choose to plan a medicated birth. Your doula can offer you information on the benefits, risks, side effects, and alternatives of various pain relief options so you know what to expect. The choice to use pain medication or not is completely up to you.

There are many ways a doula can support you if you’re having a cesarean. They can guide you through what to expect during the procedure, help you decide on your birth preferences for a cesarean delivery, and even help you find a provider who offers a ‘gentle cesarean.’ Your doula might even be able to accompany you in the operating room. Your doula is also there to facilitate bonding and body/breastfeeding after the procedure.

You can hire a doula at any point during your pregnancy. Doulas charge a flat rate for their services so if you hire one early on, you’ll be getting more bang for your buck. On average, most people hire their doula during their 2nd trimester, but it’s completely up to you on when you feel you’re ready for some extra support.

Generally speaking, doulas are not covered by health insurance. Speak with your health insurance provider to see if there are any options for doula coverage. If finances are a barrier for you, you can add a doula fund on your baby registry, ask your doula if they offer sliding scale options or payment plans, or you can look into hiring a newer doula who may be offering pro bono services in order to get their certification. Many HSA and FSA accounts cover doula services as well.