If you’re pregnant and exploring your options for birth support, you’ve probably come across the term doula. Maybe you’ve heard that a doula offers emotional support, or that they help you have a natural birth—but what does that actually look like in practice? Whether you’re planning an unmedicated birth at a birth center, an epidural in the hospital, or a home birth, a doula’s support is adaptable and deeply valuable. Let’s walk through what doula support really looks like—starting before labor even begins.

Prenatal Support: Laying the Groundwork

Birth support starts long before your first contraction. During our two prenatal meetings (34 weeks and 36 weeks), we spend time getting to know you, your preferences, and your hopes for your birth. We talk through the options you have for your specific birth setting—whether that’s a hospital, birth center, or home. We discuss the types of pain management you’re open to (or hoping to avoid), and I help you and your partner feel confident and prepared for the journey ahead.

Prenatal support often includes:

• Creating a birth plan (and understanding how to stay flexible with it)
• Discussing comfort measures like movement, hydrotherapy, breathing techniques, and hands-on touch
• Navigating informed consent so you feel empowered in decision-making
• Preparing your birth partner with tools and confidence to support you well
• Talking through fears or past experiences that might affect your upcoming birth

These conversations help lay a strong foundation, so when labor begins, you already feel supported, educated, and heard.

During Birth: What Support Looks Like

No two births are the same, but here’s what a typical support experience might include, adapted to your unique setting and birth preferences:

Early Labor

• Phone and text check-ins to help you understand what’s happening and when to call your provider
• Suggestions for rest, nourishment, and comfort as labor picks up
• Encouragement and reassurance—especially if things feel confusing or slow to start

Depending on your plan and when you need in-person support, I join you at home or meet you at your chosen birth place once active labor begins.

Active Labor and Beyond

Once I’m with you in person, I stay by your side for the duration of your labor and birth. My role is to support your physical comfort, emotional well-being, and ability to make informed decisions.

This can look like:

• Counterpressure and massage
• Breathing cues and grounding techniques
• Reminders to hydrate, change positions, or use the bathroom
• Creating a calm environment with low lights, affirmations, music, or scent
• Supporting your partner so they can stay connected to you instead of overwhelmed
• Helping you navigate interventions or changes to the plan
• Staying present and steady through every phase—from transition to pushing to postpartum

And yes, this support applies whether your birth is unmedicated or involves medication or intervention.

For Medicated Births

Choosing an epidural or other medical pain relief doesn’t make your birth less valid—or less in need of support. In these situations, I continue offering guidance around:

• Position changes (even in bed) to help baby descend
• Understanding procedures like cervical checks, induction steps, or cesarean prep
• Emotional reassurance during quiet or uncertain moments
• Advocacy and communication between you and your medical team

For Out-of-Hospital Births

At home or in a birth center, things often feel more hands-on and intimate. I collaborate closely with your midwife and help you stay in your rhythm—moving with contractions, using water or tools like the birth ball, and leaning on instinct. I also help set up and clean up, provide postpartum care, and make sure you feel grounded as you transition into life with your baby.

Postpartum Support

Once baby is here, I stay for the “golden hours” to help with:

• Initial feeding (breast or bottle)
• Making sure you’re comfortable and nourished
• Support you through decisions that follow about your placenta, the newborn vaccines, etc.
• Processing the birth experience
• Supporting partner bonding time

Many families say that having someone there to hold space after birth is just as important as the labor support itself.

So, What Does a Doula Actually Do?

We offer steady, compassionate presence. We hold space for your experience, offer tools for your comfort, and empower you through information. We don’t replace your medical team—we round out the picture. Whether your birth is fast or long, at home or in a hospital, with or without medication, I’m there for you—not for an outcome, but for your experience.

Every birth deserves to be supported.