Birth Doulas

Birth Doula Directory

• Provide a wide range of caring, non-clinical and highly beneficial techniques including physical comfort measures and emotional support before, during and after the birth.

• Understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor.

• Access helpful information for the expectant, laboring and postpartum parent/s to assist in their decision-making.

• Work in cooperation with physicians, midwives, nurses, and the partners and families of laboring and postpartum women.

• Facilitate communication between the laboring woman, her partner and clinical care providers.

• Vary in experience, training, services and personality. There are certifications for doulas; however, many very experienced doulas are not certified.

• Recognize that childbirth is a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life. Thus, doulas help nurture and protect the woman’s memory of her birth experience.

• Provide support and care for adoptive parents in the first few weeks of their new family member’s arrival.

Postpartum Doulas

Postpartum Doula Directory

• Provide care and emotional support for the mother after the birth. Postpartum doulas are available for daytime and evening shifts as well as overnight care.

• Nurture the mother so she feels confident in her ability to care for her newborn.

• Assist in the daily routine at home; help with nursery and household organization with a new baby.

• Listen without judgement.

• Trained to recognize postpartum depression early on and to make appropriate referrals.

• Educate, support, and assist with breastfeeding and refer when needed. Many postpartum doulas are Certified Lactation Counselors.

• Offer practical household help such as tidying, laundry, dishwashing and simple meal preparation.

• Run errands and/or accompany mothers/fathers to doctor visits, sibling classes or stores.

• Help with sibling adjustment.

• Guide parent/s with newborn care and soothing skills.

• Provide support for adoptive parents.

• Postpartum doula services make a wonderful gift for the new mom.

Becoming a Doula

• Doulas can provide birth services, postpartum services or both!

• Find a doula training organization. There may be a training in your area or you can travel.

• After training, with Certificate in hand, find birth related groups in your area and network.

• Find a name for your business and start marketing.

• There are local organizations to help you with the business part or find a doula that offers mentoring.