Doula’s Assistant

Birth assistants have been mentioned in various cultures for centuries. Terms like spiritual midwives and childbirth instructors have long been part of the conversation. But what does the role of birth assistants look like in other countries?

This article explores the role of doulas globally and highlights how they operate in different regions.

Doulas Across Countries: Roles and Responsibilities

A doula’s responsibilities vary depending on the culture and legal framework of the country. Let’s examine how doulas assist families worldwide.

United States

The U.S. is home to the first and largest doula organization, DONA International. Founded in 1992 by perinatal experts, the organization has certified over 14,500 doulas to date.

In the U.S., a doula’s main role is to ensure a safe and positive birthing experience. Postpartum, they help parents with breastfeeding, bonding, swaddling, and more.

Experienced doulas charge between $1,500 and $4,000, depending on whether prenatal and postpartum visits are included.

United Kingdom

Some hospitals in the UK hire volunteer doulas from national organizations to support expecting mothers. The largest doula organization, Doula UK (DUK), was founded in 2001. DUK and some charities offer free services to women in need.

Private doulas charge between £1,500 and £3,000—still more affordable than personalized maternity care in the UK.

Germany

Germany’s well-established midwifery system is integrated into health insurance. Birth assistants, known as Hebammen, can work in hospitals or private practices. Unlike doulas, Hebammen are medical professionals with greater authority.

Hebammen can visit daily for the first 10 days postpartum and offer consultations throughout breastfeeding. They also lead postnatal recovery exercise classes—services all covered by insurance.

South Korea

South Korean midwives must pass a national exam after a year of training. Doulas serve as an additional layer of support, providing emotional assistance, relaxation techniques, and help during labor and the postpartum period.

South Korea offers two weeks of free postpartum doula services, with an optional extension costing around $375 per week.

Taiwan

Most births in Taiwan are attended by midwives, who manage labor, postpartum care, and baby care education.

Families may also hire doulas for emotional, physical, and educational support. Doulas can stay with the mother during labor and visit her at home afterward. Some are even hired as overnight nannies to help parents rest.

A package including two prenatal visits, 24/7 labor support, and postpartum care costs around 35,000 TWD ($1,076).

Mexico

Latin America is considered the birthplace of the modern doula movement. Specialists from the region frequently contribute to international conferences and share their expertise.

Mexican doulas are often seasoned mothers with extensive parenting experience. The profession is respected and legally recognized. To become a doula, women must earn a degree in medicine or prenatal education.

In Mexico, doulas actively advocate for humane, natural childbirth and often oppose unnecessary cesarean sections. A standard doula package costs around $1,050 and includes support, translation, consultations, and education. 

Turkey

Unlike Mexico, emotional support for expectant mothers is less emphasized in Turkey. Many public hospitals don’t allow even one companion to be present during labor.

Poland

Since January 2015, doulas have been legally recognized in Poland. Their responsibilities include providing emotional support, teaching breathing techniques, suggesting comfortable positions, offering massages, and acting as a mediator between doctors and mothers.

Doula services in Poland cost between 1,500 and 4,000 PLN ($380–$1,000), depending on the doula’s experience and the package chosen. The Doula Assistant app helps expectant parents find the right doula for their budget and needs.

Insights from Doulas Around the World

Here are some cultural childbirth traditions shared by doulas from DONA International.

Monica Elliott, Philippines

In the Philippines, home births are now illegal, and deliveries are confined to hospitals or birthing centers (Bahay Paanakan). This shift has diminished traditional practices. However, some remain, such as burying the placenta in the family yard to symbolize the end of childbirth and danger. In some regions, pumpkin leaves placed on the abdomen are believed to ease labor.

Rasi Govindani, Thailand

Thai mothers often participate in a postpartum ritual where a doula provides steam baths, full-body massages, and herbal compresses. This process, lasting 4–5 hours over 5–7 days, aids recovery and stimulates milk production.

Varda Yusoff, Singapore

“Urut Bayi,” a traditional Malay baby massage, is performed on two-day-old infants using virgin coconut oil. After a soothing warm bath, the baby is massaged from head to toe. This practice helps parents bond with their child and reduces stress hormones, minimizes crying, and promotes relaxation and sleep.

The world of doulas is as diverse as the cultures they serve, yet their goal remains the same: providing care, comfort, and empowerment to mothers during one of life’s most transformative experiences.