Doulas
Find experienced birth and postpartum doulas who provide continuous, non-medical support through pregnancy, labor, and the fourth trimester. Doulas offer evidence-based information, comfort measures (breathing, positioning, massage), partner guidance, and compassionate advocacy so your preferences are understood in any birth setting. Many provide prenatal visits, on-call support as your due date approaches, and postpartum check-ins for recovery, lactation, sleep, and newborn care, available in person or virtually and complementary to your clinical care team.
What to Expect from Doula Care
Emotional Support
Continuous emotional support during labor, helping you stay calm, confident, and focused throughout your birthing experience.
Physical Comfort
Comfort measures including massage, positioning techniques, breathing guidance, and other non-medical pain relief methods.
Birth Advocacy
Support in communicating your birth preferences and helping you make informed decisions throughout your birth experience.
Available Doulas
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Frequently Asked Questions About Doulas
- What does a doula do during labor?
- A doula provides continuous non-medical support during labor, including emotional encouragement, physical comfort measures (massage, positioning, breathing techniques), and helping you communicate your birth preferences to your care team. Unlike nurses or midwives, a doula stays with you throughout the entire labor.
- What is the difference between a birth doula and a postpartum doula?
- A birth doula supports you during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. A postpartum doula helps after baby arrives — supporting newborn care, breastfeeding/bottle feeding, and your physical and emotional recovery, typically for the first several weeks after birth.
- Do I need a doula if I already have a midwife or OB?
- Yes — doulas and clinical providers have complementary roles. Your midwife or OB is responsible for your medical care; your doula focuses entirely on your comfort, emotional wellbeing, and advocacy. Research shows that having a doula can reduce the likelihood of cesarean birth and improve overall birth satisfaction.
- How much does a doula cost?
- Doula fees vary by location, experience, and services included. In the U.S., birth doulas typically charge between $800 and $2,500 for a full package (prenatal visits, on-call labor support, and postpartum follow-up). Some doulas offer sliding-scale fees. Search NestIn to compare providers in your area.
- When should I hire a doula?
- Most families hire a doula during the second trimester (weeks 14–27) to allow time for multiple prenatal visits and relationship building before birth. However, some doulas accept clients later in pregnancy — it is worth reaching out even if you are in your third trimester.