A Doula is a non-medical birth companion who supports a pregnant person before, during, and after delivery with emotional and physical comfort, information, and advocacy. Doulas do not perform medical tasks and do not replace a midwife or physician; instead, they provide continuous 1:1 support to enhance the birth experience and help partners feel involved. Key points
- Roles and scope: Emotional support, comfort measures, help with decision-making, and acting as a bridge between the birthing person and medical staff. They accompany the person throughout labor and can assist in the postpartum period as well. [Doula](javascript:void(0))
- Relationship to other care providers: Doulas complement midwives and doctors, not replace them. They focus on non-medical aspects of birth, while clinical care remains the responsibility of licensed healthcare professionals.
- Availability and recognition: The doula concept is more established in some countries (e.g., USA) and is growing in others (e.g., parts of Europe). In Germany and neighboring regions, awareness and availability have increased in recent years, with professional associations and training programs noted.
- Costs and insurance: Doula services are typically paid out-of-pocket and are not usually covered by standard public health insurance in many systems; this varies by country and region.
- Common terminology: The term Doula comes from Greek, meaning “female servant” or “woman who serves”; often described as “birth companion” or “mothering the mother” in English contexts.
If you’d like, I can tailor this explanation to a specific country or language context, or provide guidance on how to evaluate and choose a doula (questions to ask, certifications to look for, typical fees, and how to integrate a doula with your birth plan).
