WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE TO HAVE A DOULA DURING BIRTH?

If you’ve heard the word doula but aren’t quite sure what that means, or you’re wondering what a doula actually does when you’re in labor, keep reading! Many expecting parents have heard about doulas but are unsure what our role looks like during labor and birth, especially in a hospital setting. Here is what you can generally expect when a doula is present at your birth.

Early Labor

When labor begins, your doula usually stays in contact by phone or message, helping you assess progress

and decide when to go to the hospital. She may remind you of comfort measures to use at home — such as rest, hydration, and positions — and join you in person once contractions are established or when you feel you need support.

Arrival at the Hospital

Once you’re admitted, your doula helps you settle into the environment. She can dim the lights, set up comforting items like a birth ball, and help you find positions that encourage labor to progress naturally. She acts as a calm presence while you and your partner adjust to the hospital rhythm.

Active Labor

As contractions intensify, your doula provides continuous physical and emotional support.

This might include:

• Guiding your breathing and relaxation between contractions

• Applying counter-pressure or massage to ease back or hip discomfort

• Suggesting position changes and movements to support comfort

• Offering water, cool cloths, or reminders to stay focused

• Reassuring your partner and showing them how to help effectively

  
  

Your doula monitors the atmosphere — helping keep it calm, encouraging communication with the medical team, and making sure your needs are heard.

During Medical Procedures or Changes in Plan

During birth, questions and choices often arise. A doula helps you understand your options and encourages communication with your medical team. She does not give medical advice but ensures you have the information, time and space to make the choice that feels right for you.If your care team recommends interventions such as induction, pain relief, or a cesarean, your doula helps you understand what’s happening and supports you emotionally through those transitions.

Support for Partners

A doula’s role also extends to the partner. Many partners want to be actively involved but are unsure how to help. A doula provides guidance, helping them understand what is happening, so they can participate with confidence. This ensures both of you feel supported throughout labor.

Pushing and Birth

As you move into the pushing stage, your doula continues offering grounding support: physical comfort, reminders of effective breathing, and encouragement. She may help adjust your positioning, hold your hand, or simply be the calm voice reminding you that you’re doing it.

Right After Birth

In the first hour after your baby is born, your doula stays with you to provide reassurance and help you settle in. She can support skin-to-skin contact, help initiate breastfeeding if you wish, and make sure you and your partner have time to rest and bond before she leaves.

Beyond Birth

Doula support doesn’t end when your baby arrives. In the days and weeks that follow, we meet again to check on your recovery, support feeding and newborn care, and help you navigate the emotional transition into parenthood. Birth is just the beginning! Continued support helps you adjust with confidence and feel truly cared for through this important time.

In Practice

Having a doula by your side means you’re never alone in the process. Unlike medical staff, who may come and go, a doula remains with you throughout labor. This continuous presence provides stability and reassurance. Whether labor lasts a few hours or much longer, you have someone consistently focused on your comfort and experience. This consistent presence can make a significant difference in how you experience birth.