What Even Is a Birth Doula?

By Meredith | Licensed Massage Therapist & DONA-Trained Birth Doula

I get this question a lot. Usually followed by: “Do I need one?” or “Isn’t that what my partner is for?” or my personal favorite: “I thought doulas were only for people who want unmedicated births.”

Let me clear some things up.

A Doula Isn’t Your Medical Provider (And That’s the Point)

Your doctor or midwife is focused on the medical aspects of your birth. They’re monitoring vitals, checking dilation, making clinical decisions. That’s their job, and they’re good at it.

But they aren’t always: reminding you to breathe through contractions, helping you find positions that feel good, or helping you remember your birth preferences when you’re in the thick of labor and can barely think straight.

That’s where a doula comes in.

A birth doula provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support before, during, and after childbirth. We’re not there to deliver your baby or make medical decisions. We’re there to support YOU through the process.

What Does That Actually Look Like?

Every doula works a little differently, but here’s what my doula support includes:

Before Birth:

• Two prenatal visits where we talk through your birth preferences, fears, and hopes
• I attend 1-2 of your doctor appointments if you want (having an extra set of ears can be really helpful)
• We discuss comfort measures, positioning options, and what to expect during different stages of labor

During Labor:

• I come to you once you’re in active labor and stay until after baby is born
• Physical support: counter pressure for back labor, help with positioning, breathing techniques
• Emotional support: reassurance, encouragement, reminding you of your strength
• Information: helping you understand what’s happening and what your options are
• Communication: helping you articulate your needs to medical staff when you’re focused on labor

After Birth:

• One postpartum visit to process your birth experience and check in on how you’re doing

But Here’s What Makes My Birth Doula Support Different

Most doulas offer emotional support and advocacy. I offer that PLUS something unique: 15+ years of hands-on experience preparing bodies for birth through specialized pregnancy massage.

Think about it: By the time most people meet their doula, they’re around 36 weeks pregnant. You have a few conversations, maybe practice some breathing techniques, and hope you click when labor starts.

But I’ve been working with pregnant clients for over a decade. I know how bodies change during pregnancy. I understand which muscles need to release for easier labor. I can actually help prepare your body for the physical demands of birth through massage—not just talk you through a birth plan.

When you go into labor with me as your doula, I already know:

• How your body responds to different positioning
• What kind of pressure feels good to you during discomfort
• How you process stress and what helps you feel calm
• Your specific areas of tension and how to release them

The Hands-On Difference

Here’s where my massage therapy background really shows up during labor:

Counter pressure for back labor: I don’t just tell you it might help—I know exactly where to apply pressure and how much.

Positioning support: I can guide you into positions that work with your body’s mechanics, not against them.

Tension release: If your shoulders are creeping up to your ears during contractions (and they will), I can help you release that tension so your body can work more efficiently.

Breathing integration: I help you breathe INTO areas of tension rather than just breathing “correctly.”

Most doulas can coach you through these things. I can do that AND provide hands-on relief in the moment.

“Do I Really Need a Doula?”

Look, people have been having babies without doulas forever.

But here’s what the research shows: continuous doula support during birth is associated with shorter labors, reduced need for pain medication, lower rates of cesarean birth, and increased satisfaction with the birth experience.

More importantly, here’s what my clients tell me:

“I felt so supported. I knew I had someone in my corner who understood what I wanted.”

“When things didn’t go according to plan, she helped me stay grounded and make decisions I felt good about.”

“Having someone there who knew my body made such a difference.”

What About My Partner?

Your partner is incredible. They love you, they want to support you, and they’re going through this huge transition too.

But your partner is also experiencing their own emotions about becoming a parent. They might be anxious, excited, or overwhelmed. Asking them to also be your birth coach can be a lot of pressure.

When I’m there as your doula:

• Your partner gets to be present with you instead of worried about “doing it right”
• They can step out for a break without you losing support
• They have someone to reassure THEM when they’re feeling anxious
• The pressure is off them to remember all the comfort techniques

I’ve seen so many partnerships actually get stronger during birth when there’s doula support because both people can focus on the experience rather than the logistics.

“I’m Having a Hospital Birth with an Epidural. Do I Still Need a Doula?”

This might be the most common misconception about doula support.

Doulas aren’t just for unmedicated births. We support whatever kind of birth feels right for you.

Hospital birth with epidural? I’m there to help you feel comfortable with positioning, advocate for your preferences, and support you through any unexpected changes.

Planned cesarean? I can provide emotional support before surgery and help with immediate postpartum care.

Home birth? Obviously, I’m there for that too.

My job isn’t to influence your medical decisions—it’s to help you feel supported in whatever decisions you make.

Here’s What I Want You to Know

A birth doula is someone who holds space for you during one of the most intense experiences of your life. We’re not there to take over or make decisions for you. We’re there to remind you of your strength when you forget it, help your body work through labor, and make sure you feel heard and supported.

And when your doula also happens to have 15+ years of experience preparing bodies for birth through massage? You get support that goes deeper than just emotional—you get someone who understands birth from both a physical and emotional perspective.

Birth is unpredictable. Plans change, contractions are intense, and in those moments, having someone who knows exactly how to support you can make all the difference.

Curious about combining pregnancy massage with doula support?

If you’re in the Capital Region and wondering what it would feel like to build that trust and preparation months before your birth, I’d love to talk with you about what complete support could look like for your family.

Questions about doula support or how massage preparation works? I’m here to help you figure out what kind of birth support feels right for you.

About Meredith: I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 15 years of experience and a DONA-trained birth doula. Through MAVE, I combine specialized pregnancy massage with comprehensive birth support, helping people feel prepared and supported through pregnancy, birth, and beyond.