While doulas and midwives both support births, our roles are very different. The simplest way to put it, is that midwives are medical providers and doulas are emotional and physical support people. As your doula, I do not give medical advice, listen to baby’s heart tones, perform cervical exams, take blood pressure readings, etc. Those are the tasks of a midwife (or nurse).

Most often, you and your doula will have two prenatal sessions together. This time is spent aligning with your wishes, hopes, and plans for your birth. If you’ve given birth before, sharing your previous birth story(ies) can be helpful to identify what worked well or what you might want to approach differently this time.

Together, you’ll discuss your preferences and may create a written plan that includes contingency options, such as induction, assisted delivery, or cesarean (emergent or non-emergent). These sessions also cover preparation for the postpartum period, including lactation or other infant feeding methods, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.

Your doula comes when called. In early labor, it may not yet be time for continuous support, but as sensations grow longer, more frequent, and more intense, your doula joins you when needed.

The primary role of a doula during labor is to provide tools to help you cope with the sensations. This often includes breathing techniques, frequent position changes, reminders to stay hydrated, and ensuring the bladder is emptied. If desired, your doula also guides your partner in how to best support you, creating a cohesive and supportive team for your birthing experience.

Absolutely! A doula supports all choices in labor, including the decision to have an epidural. If you already know that an epidural is part of your plan, your doula can help you prepare to make the most of it, discussing how it may influence aspects of labor, such as pushing. They can also guide you in creating backup plans, just in case things don’t go as expected. While rare, epidurals can occasionally fail, requiring either a redo or alternative coping strategies for contractions. Your doula is there to support and adapt with you, no matter the circumstances.

Cesarean Support: Planned and Unplanned

There are two primary scenarios where cesarean support comes into play: planned and unplanned cesareans. How a doula supports you may vary slightly depending on the situation.

Planned Cesarean

For a planned cesarean, the hospital will schedule a specific day and time for your procedure. Your doula will meet you at the hospital at check-in. Policies vary by hospital, but in most cases, only one support person is allowed in the pre-op room, operating room, and initial post-op recovery area. If you have a partner or family member with you, they will typically fill that role.

Your doula remains available via phone or text throughout the process and waits in the designated waiting area until they can join you in the postpartum recovery room. Once present, your doula provides the same postpartum support as always, including assistance with feeding, emotional support, and ensuring you feel cared for during this transition.

Unplanned Cesarean

In the event of an unplanned cesarean during labor, your doula is already present and actively supporting you. Once the decision for a cesarean is made, your doula helps you understand what to expect, clarifies medical terms and procedures, and assists you in preparing for surgery. After the cesarean, postpartum support continues, with time for debriefing and processing the experience as you feel ready.

Emergency Cesarean

If an emergency cesarean occurs before labor begins, your doula’s support resembles that of a planned cesarean, even if the situation feels different. They will do everything possible to offer emotional reassurance, practical assistance, and continued postpartum care.

In all scenarios, your doula adapts to your needs, providing steady support and compassionate care throughout your cesarean journey.