What Is a Doula?
A doula is a trained support professional who provides emotional, physical, educational, and advocacy support to individuals and families during pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting journeys.
Doulas do not replace medical providers. Instead, they work alongside families to encourage education, culturally responsive care, and resource connection to help improve maternal health and family wellness outcomes.
Research shows doula support can help:
- Reduce stress during pregnancy and birth
- Increase confidence and education for families
- Improve birth experiences
- Support breastfeeding and postpartum recovery
- Help families navigate healthcare systems and community resources
- Improve maternal mental health and wellness
Types of Support Available
Doula Community Health Worker
Provides community-based support, resource navigation, health education, advocacy, care coordination, and connection to community services that support family wellness.
Birth Doula
Provides emotional, physical, and educational support during pregnancy, labor, and birth. Birth doulas help families prepare for labor, understand birth options, and feel supported during delivery.
Postpartum Doula
Supports families after birth by helping with recovery, newborn care education, feeding support, emotional wellness, rest, and adjustment during the postpartum period.
Full Spectrum Doula
Provides support across all reproductive experiences, including pregnancy, birth, postpartum, fertility journeys, pregnancy loss, abortion support, and family planning.
Father & Family Navigator
Provides support specifically for fathers, partners, and family members by helping strengthen communication, parenting support, advocacy, emotional wellness, and access to community resources for the entire family unit.