What Is A Doula—And Why Should You Hire One?

If you’re pregnant or have been in the last decade, chances are you’ve heard the term doula thrown around—but maybe you’re not quite sure what a doula actually does, or whether you need one. You’re not alone! Let’s break it down so you can decide if doula support is right for you and your birth.

What Is a Doula?

A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after childbirth. Unlike a doctor or midwife, a doula doesn’t deliver babies or provide medical care. Instead, we focus 100% on you—your comfort, your choices, and your overall experience.

Think of a doula as your birth coach, personal cheerleader, and support system all rolled into one. We’re there to help you feel empowered, calm, and confident through every stage of labor and birth.

What Does a Doula Actually Do?

Here’s what you can expect when working with a doula like me:

Prenatal Support

We meet during pregnancy to talk about your hopes, fears, birth preferences, and how you want to feel during birth. I’ll help you build a birth plan (if you want one), understand your options, and feel confident walking into your birth—whether it’s at a hospital, birthing center, or home.

We’ll also talk movement, breathing, positioning, and ways your partner can support you too. Whatever you need to be physically and mentally prepared for birth, I'll help with (or connect you to local resources you may not know about).

Physical & Emotional Support During Labor

During labor, I provide continuous hands-on support. That might look like counterpressure, massage, encouraging words, breath coaching, suggesting positions to help baby descend, or simply being a calm presence.

You won’t be alone. I’ll be there whether your labor lasts 4 hours or 24.

Support for Your Partner, Too

Doulas don’t replace partners—we support them, too! Your partner (or other support person) knows and loves you, and that relationship is incredibly powerful in birth. My job is to help your partner feel confident, connected, and involved, without the pressure of knowing everything.

I can gently guide them in offering hands-on support, suggest ways to connect with you during labor, and give them breaks when they need to step away to eat, rest, or breathe. In the end, doulas help strengthen the bond between you and your partner by making space for both of you to feel supported and present.

Evidence-Based Guidance

I don’t replace your provider—but I do help you understand what’s being discussed in the room so you can make informed choices. Need to decide whether to get an epidural? Want to delay cord clamping or ask about a cesarean? I’ll help you navigate those decisions calmly and confidently.

Postpartum Check-In

After baby arrives, I’ll check in to see how you're doing—physically, emotionally, and mentally. We’ll talk about the birth, breastfeeding or feeding questions, babywearing and physical recovery, and what kind of support you might need during those early days.

Why Hire a Doula?

Now you might be wondering—isn’t this what my partner or provider is for? Sometimes yes—and also, not quite.

Here’s why hiring a doula is a game-changer:

We’re Trained in Birth Support

Even the most loving partner might not know how to support someone through labor. I’ll help your partner feel more confident, too—we work as a team to support you.

We Stay With You

Unlike hospital staff who may change shifts or be attending to other patients, I stay with you the whole time. My focus is entirely on you.

Doulas Improve Birth Outcomes

Here’s where the science really shines. According to a landmark Cochrane review of 26 studies, continuous support from a doula or similar support person was associated with:

• 25% decrease in the risk of cesarean birth

• 31% decrease in the use of synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin)

• 10% decrease in use of any pain medication

• 38% decrease in baby’s risk of a low 5-minute Apgar score

• Higher likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth

• Increased satisfaction with the birth experience

(Source: Bohren et al., 2017 – Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)

These benefits are even more significant when the support person is not part of the hospital staff and not a member of the birthing person’s social circle—which is exactly the role doulas fill.

Support Tailored to You

Your pregnancy, your preferences, your body, your birth. My support is completely personalized—whether you want an unmedicated birth, a scheduled cesarean, or something in between. I meet you where you are, without judgment.

Doula Services in Central Iowa

If you’re expecting in Grinnell, IA or the surrounding area—I’d love to support you. My doula care blends evidence-based knowledge with body awareness, movement, and mindfulness techniques that help you feel strong and grounded before, during, and after birth.

Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, having someone in your corner who knows you, respects your choices, and helps you feel powerful during birth can make all the difference.

Ready to Learn More?

Curious if doula care is the right fit for your birth?
Book a free doula consultation today—we’ll chat about your goals, your preferences, and how I can support you through pregnancy and birth.

✨ You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s make your birth experience something you feel proud of.