So… What is a doula?

A doula is a trained, compassionate professional who provides continuous emotional, physical and informational support throughout pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period.

During pregnancy, doulas empower families with knowledge, helping them understand their options, navigate the healthcare system and prepare for birth with clarity and confidence. They listen, educate and reassure—so no one feels alone or overwhelmed.

During labour and birth, a doula remains by your side offering steady encouragement, comfort techniques like breathing guidance, massage, position changes and calm reassurance through every stage. Unlike medical staff who may rotate, a doula provides uninterrupted support, promoting birth physiology by providing continuity, assisting partners to create and effective and present team.

After birth, postpartum doulas continue that care. Their presence helps families adjust with greater ease and confidence.

Doulas do not replace medical providers—they complement them, creating a more holistic, human-centred birth experience. Research consistently shows that doula support is linked to lower intervention rates, shorter labour's, and higher satisfaction with the birth experience.

I believe birth is not a medical event—it’s a life-changing experience and everyone deserves to feel supported, informed and respected through out.

The role of a doula is rooted in ancient tradition. For centuries, women have supported one another through pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Across many cultures, experienced women in the community provided continuous emotional, physical and practical support to mothers during this important transition.
The word doula comes from the ancient Greek term meaning “woman who serves,” reflecting the supportive and nurturing nature of the role.
In modern times, the doula profession began to develop in the 1970s and 1980s. When researchers Marshall Klaus and John Kennell studied the effects of continuous support during labour, their research found that women who received consistent, compassionate support experienced improved outcomes and more positive birth experiences.
Today, doulas continue this long tradition of supporting families. They work alongside medical professionals, providing continuous, personalised care that nurtures confidence, promotes informed choice and supports the emotional wellbeing of both parents and babies.
• Listens to your fears, hopes, and questions
• Helps you understand birth options and choices.
• Supports birth plan preparation.
• Shares evidence-based resources.
• Encourages confidence and informed decision-making.
• Offers continuous emotional reassurance.
• Provides comfort measures (breathing, positioning, massage/touch, counter pressure, rebozo).
• Helps you stay grounded during intense moments.
• Supports your partner so they can support you
•Helps to create your ideal birth space.
• Provides practical hands on support (Keeping you nourished and hydrated).
• Advocates for you and communicates with your care team.
- Checks in emotionally.
- Supports you to be the parent you want to be.
- Helps with newborn care and feeding support.
- Provides care for your baby to allow you to eat, shower, and sleep.
- Supports in light household tasks.
- Creates a calm, supportive environment.
Doula’s provide hands on support throughout your journey some of these things can include.
- Helping with Infant feeding, burping, changing.
- Washing and sterilising of feeding equipment.
- Supporting with sibling care.
- Helping with that house hold task that you cant find time to do.
- Food preparation.
- Pet care.