What Do Doulas Actually Do?

You may have heard the term "doula" floating around, but what does a doula actually do? The role of a doula can vary depending on the needs of the birthing person, but at its core, a doula provides non-judgmental, holistic support before, during, and after birth.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Here’s what that can look like:

Prenatal Support:

• Help you prepare for birth with resources, planning, and emotional check-ins.

• Offer guidance on how to communicate with your care team.

Labor & Birth Support:

• Be by your side continuously, whether you’re birthing at home, a hospital, or a birthing center.

• Suggest comfort techniques like breathing, movement, massage, and positioning.

• Advocate for your preferences and help translate medical information in real time.

Post-Birth Support:

• Offer grounding support in the immediate hours after birth.

• Debrief the experience and offer referrals or resources as needed.

If you’re looking into Bay Area doula services or want a San Jose doula who truly listens, a doula can be a powerful part of your support team.