TABLE OF CONTENTS:
- The doula: a caring and devoted helper for the new mother
- From pregnancy to postpartum: all the roles of a doula
- The doula, the mother, her baby, and the golden month
- How to find a doula near you?
What could be more beautiful than bringing a child into the world? And yet, what could be more introspective, overwhelming, and destabilizing? To support women and couples through these powerful moments in life, the doula is an unwavering perinatal support. During pregnancy, childbirth, and throughout postpartum, she offers her presence, knowledge, and strength to (future) parents who seek her services.
The doula: a caring and devoted helper for the new mother
Becoming a mother is an adventure within an adventure. To go through it as calmly as possible, the doula supports the expectant mother in her choices and questions surrounding the birth of her child.
Even though in Ancient Greek doula means "servant," today we more often speak of a companion. Sometimes present from the preconception period and trained to support new parents through postpartum, this non-medical companion’s main role is to provide unconditional moral and physical support.
Support from a doula is, above all, personalized follow-up tailored to the needs and requests of the expectant mother.
A maternity professional by your side, every day
Specifically, the doula answers all your questions—the ones you are afraid to ask and those nobody else can answer. At each new stage, especially if this is your first child, and when faced with fears, doubts, expectations, emotions, and sensations during pregnancy, the doula is there. When you request it, she can also ensure you are properly supported and meet the appropriate professionals: osteopath, pediatrician, etc.
From a practical point of view and always according to your wishes, the doula can help you write your birth plan, create your baby registry, organize your medical appointments, pack your hospital bag, or handle the return home.
If you feel the need, the doula is there for you at all times, by your side. In the wake of a new and sometimes frightening motherhood, the doula is an anchor, a confidante, a shoulder to lean on.
With emotional support, an empathetic ear, and practical help on all levels, the doula never questions your choices or motherly intuition—she affirms them.
How long does a doula’s support last?
There is no set rule. Everything depends on individual needs. It’s less common in France, but across the Atlantic, doulas sometimes support couples starting from the IVF or assisted reproduction process. Others specialize in end-of-life care.
If you wish, your doula’s support could begin in your third month of pregnancy, continue throughout the remaining six months until childbirth, and last as long as your maternity leave—or even longer. The decision is entirely up to you, depending on how you feel.
What are the differences between a doula and a midwife?
Unlike a midwife, the doula is not part of the medical profession. She provides a strictly non-medical support which can complement or run parallel to care from doctors.
Both midwives and doulas are experienced maternity experts. However, the midwife delivers medical care to women and newborns. The doula, for her part, provides physical and emotional support, but cannot perform medical procedures or prescribe medication.
Additionally, the doula is hired, chosen, and paid by the parents, either per session or on a package basis. According to the Doulas de France association, doulas in France charge between €40 and €70 (about $45–$75 USD) per session and €200 to €400 (about $215–$430 USD) for support in the delivery room.
There is a common belief that doulas mostly support women choosing a physiological (natural) childbirth. That is false. Doulas support all pregnancies and births—medicalized or not, in the hospital or at home—in addition to midwifery care.
From pregnancy to postpartum: all the roles of a doula
Because the birth of a child brings a whirlwind of emotions and experiences, the doula’s role is multi-faceted. Part coach, advisor, or support, she adapts to the woman’s needs.
- Emotional support: During pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, the doula is there to listen, reassure, and encourage you. Her support helps reduce maternal stress and anxiety, especially as the due date approaches.
- Childbirth advice: From explaining the different phases of labor, to discussing pain relief options and breathing techniques, a doula helps mothers feel more confident as labor approaches.
- Labor coach: In the delivery room (if possible), your doula is there with the medical team and your partner. Encouragement, guidance, or massages—she provides ongoing physical and emotional support.
- Breastfeeding advice: If you wish to breastfeed your baby, talk to your doula. From helping with latch and positions, to addressing pain or returning to work, these discussions foster a positive breastfeeding relationship from birth onward.
- Postpartum support: After childbirth, the doula can offer practical and emotional guidance to the new mother. Baby care, advice on sleep, feeding, or the infant’s health, conversations about the emotions of motherhood, or even meal preparation—it’s all according to your needs.
- Comprehensive support for the mother: Physical, emotional, and psychological needs—the presence of your doula helps you recover faster and make a smoother transition into your new role as a parent.
A doula as a breastfeeding coach
Breastfeeding is a natural step, but it does not come instinctively. Because breastfeeding is learned, some doulas offer breastfeeding support sessions. Take this time to ask all your questions and share your worries, as well as any difficulties you may be experiencing. Number of feedings per day, breastfeeding pain, baby’s weight gain, or pumping—don’t hesitate, your doula is there for you.
As most of these maternity companions offer à la carte sessions, you can reconnect with your doula when it’s time for weaning, to make the transition from breast to bottle easier.
At Élhée, we have developed a breastfeeding bottle specifically designed to mimic the shape of the breast and equipped with an ultra-soft physiological nipple, perfectly suited to babies’ palates. For weaning or combined feeding, it is the best alternative to breastfeeding.
A postpartum doula to soothe body and mind
The postpartum period can be challenging. As exhaustion competes with pain for control of your discomfort, you may be struggling to establish new family routines and find your footing. Once again, the doula can serve as a soothing balm.
- Physical care: Massages, relaxation techniques, poultices, Rebozo care, or sophrology—the postpartum period should be all about caring for the new mother. By helping relieve stress, pain, and become comfortable with her new body, the doula offers women the chance for faster, longer-lasting recovery.
- Emotional support: Throughout pregnancy, during childbirth, and during the weeks of postpartum, the doula is there to listen and provide emotional support—reassuring you and validating your emotions, no matter how intense or challenging.
- Newborn care: How to change a diaper easily, give a stress-free bath, care for the umbilical cord, soothe and feed your baby at the breast or bottle—by guiding you toward autonomy, the doula helps you build confidence and show kindness to yourself.
- Logistical help: According to your preferences, the postpartum doula can help you with meal preparation or light tidying, allowing you to rest more and focus on your child.
Finally, during postpartum as throughout her whole support, the doula listens carefully to how you are experiencing motherhood. This allows you to share and feel more supported and better surrounded.
The doula, the mother, her baby, and the golden month
The "golden month" is a traditional period of care and attention given to the mother for 30 to 40 days after childbirth. Widely practiced in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, this dedicated period perfectly echoes the doula’s various roles.
During this unique period, the mother recovers physically and emotionally from birth. Surrounding her, the women from her close circle and her doula guide her toward a physical and spiritual rebirth reminiscent of matrescence.
Rest and bodily care are part of daily life to relieve postpartum pain, discomfort, and aches. A suitable, balanced, and nutritious diet is also provided to promote healing and tissue regeneration. Finally, family and friends help with household chores and caring for older children.
The main goal of the golden month is to offer the mother a unique time for recovery and support after birth. The doula’s presence helps her relax, reflect on changes, and let go with confidence. The doula also has a broad network to provide therapeutic solutions for any problems when needed.
And what about the father’s role?
To all fathers and partners who feel left out of their wife’s pregnancy by the medical system, a doula offers a solution. She explains the supervision process and upcoming steps for their partner and future child. She also teaches them how to be present during delivery, how to massage the mother’s back for relief, and how to use supportive postures.
In the parent-child relationship, the doula also teaches skin-to-skin contact, baby massage, and how to recognize a baby’s cries.
Again, every pregnancy, every family, and every type of support is different. Your relationship with your doula will depend on your needs, requests, and expectations regarding pregnancy, birth, and parenting.
How to find a doula near you?
To find your doula, the first thing to do is to consult the “Doulas de France” directory. It lists doulas who are members of the Doulas de France association, who have signed the Doulas charter, and who have completed the training curriculum established by the association in 2006.
A Facebook group “Trouver sa doula” (“Find your doula”) also exists. It allows future parents to post a request to find a companion near them. Finally, word of mouth remains a tried and true method.
Finally, take the time to meet several doulas. Your relationship will depend largely on how comfortable and confident you feel, so it is essential that you feel at ease with her, and she with you. As a pre- and postnatal consultant, the doula is not a guide—she doesn’t tell you what to do. She aligns herself with your choices, respects them, and walks alongside you to shape your parenting journey, freely and together.
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