Doula’s Assistant

A doula is a labor assistant—a relatively new caregiving profession in a world where genuine care often feels like it’s fading away.

The word “doula” comes from Greek, meaning “servant.” In perinatology, it refers to a woman who stays by a mother’s side, providing support during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Doulas offer informational, physical, and emotional assistance to expecting mothers and their families.

“The worst curse for a young woman experiencing her first labor is the crime of enforced loneliness.”

Grantly Dick-Read, British obstetrician and author of Childbirth Without Fear

Types of Doula Support

Doulas are not only for labor and postpartum support. Some work in hospices, support women with cancer, teenage mothers, or those facing perinatal loss, abortion, or adoption.

Regardless of their focus, doulas provide holistic care—physical, emotional, and informational—and often advocate for the mother’s interests.  

Physical Support

• Performing massages and pressure techniques.
• Creating a comfortable environment (adjusting lighting, aromatherapy, etc.).
• Assisting with hygiene (showering, bathing).
• Helping with movement and positioning.
• Providing food and hydration.

Emotional Support

• Staying by the mother’s side consistently.
• Offering encouragement.
• Helping reframe situations with a focus on the positives.
• Expressing understanding and acceptance.
• Listening to the mother’s desires.
• Working through fears and doubts with the woman and her partner.
• Showing empathy and compassion.

Informational Support

• Teaching techniques such as breathing or relaxation.
• Sharing evidence-based materials on pregnancy and childbirth.
• Explaining the process and effects of medical procedures.
• Helping partners understand what the pregnant woman is experiencing.

Advocacy

• Encouraging mothers to ask questions and voice concerns.
• Supporting the woman in her decisions.
• Drawing medical staff’s attention to the mother’s needs and questions.
• Facilitating communication between parents and healthcare professionals.

What Doulas Do Not Do

• Perform medical examinations or procedures.
• Prescribe medications.
• Deliver babies.

How a Doula Differs from a Nurse or Midwife

Education
Doulas don’t require medical training. They won’t diagnose or prescribe but will stay present through every moment and listen to all concerns.

Level of Empathy
Nurses would quickly burn out if they built deep emotional connections with every patient. Doulas, however, dedicate themselves entirely to their clients.

Physical Interaction
Nurses’ touch may sometimes be clinical (e.g., during procedures). In contrast, a doula’s physical contact is entirely guided by the mother’s preferences.

How a Doula Differs from a Partner

The support of a loved one is invaluable, but partners need breaks too. Childbirth is also an emotional and intense experience for them.

While partners may lack detailed knowledge about labor, medical protocols, and hospital procedures, doulas bring experience and expertise to guide both the pregnant woman and her partner. Ideally, the doula and the partner form a unified team.

Why Doulas Are Effective

As early as 2003, a Cochrane Review confirmed that continuous support during childbirth reduces the need for emergency cesarean sections and medical pain relief.

Doulas as Natural Pain Relievers and Antidepressants

A doula’s care and attention stimulate oxytocin production, which lowers stress and anxiety while improving the efficiency of contractions. Their presence not only soothes but also increases beta-endorphins, reducing pain and making labor more manageable—all without side effects.