All about doulas
- Cally
- Apr 16
- 4 min read
What is a 'doula'?
The word doula comes from the ancient Greek word for servant or slave. It was first used by Dr. Dana Raphael in the 1960s to describe a woman who provides support during labour, birth and the postpartum period. Although the term doula was only recently introduced, doulas have been present in some form or another in all cultures throughout history - but what exactly does a doula do? And do you need one at your birth? We chatted with Melbourne-based doula Alex (@alexelisabethdoula) to find out more.
HBV: How do you describe to people what you do?
Alex: To someone unfamiliar with doulas, I describe us as being a non-medical emotional and physical support person who accompanies you through pregnancy, birth and mothering or any other rite of passage. I've also been called a personal hype girl and bringer of the vibes! I find people are increasingly more aware of what doulas are and what we do, which is amazing.
HBV: Are doulas required to have a specific qualification? What other skills do doulas have?
Alex: We're an unregulated profession, so anyone can call themselves a doula. In saying that, many of us have done certified training as well as complementary courses in areas such as feeding, babywearing, body work, trauma-sensitive care, neuroaffirming support, birth debriefing and offering birth education. Some doulas hold an additional role supporting perinatal folk, or may have come from other lines of work that involve high emotional intelligence or advocacy. Every doula and their skillset is unique, which is incredible because there truly is a doula for everyone.
HBV: What support can a doula provide at a homebirth?
Alex: So much! A large part of our role actually happens long before we enter your birthspace. During prenatal sessions, we support you to set the tone for your birth through debriefing, connecting, acknowledging and embracing your families experiences and needs, getting to know your birth team and creating your birth map.
On the day, we can do everything from baking a cake with your older children and helping you or your partner attend to their needs, through to suggesting and supporting you with movements and positions, affirming and holding you through crises of confidence, topping up the pool, keeping you hydrated, encouraging your partner, helping you both rest, holding your hand and witnessing you as you do this. After baby lands we can preserve the environment and melt into the background, cleaning up, popping on the kettle and cooking a first meal and popping the towels in the wash.
Often we might come earlier than your midwife and support you and your family until they arrive, or come and go as you need us to if you have a stop and start early labour.
HBV: How is a doula different to a private midwife? Is it beneficial to have both in your birth team, or would one or the other suffice?
Alex: Our skillset is very separate to that of midwives, but we complement each other beautifully. Midwives offer medical care, whilst our wheelhouse is emotional, mental and physical support that's individualised to you.
We will squeeze your hips, dry you off after the shower and offer/remind you of the tools you will use to meet the intensity of labour. Your midwives can offer holistic medical care for you and baby and offer you physical and emotional safety through labour through their continuity of care. If its within reach, having both can round out a beautiful support team.
HBV: What does hiring a doula actually involve? How many appointments do you typically have and how involved is the doula?
Alex: Every doula works differently, and finding the one that feels right for you is so important. I (and most doulas) offer a no-obigation meeting for you to get a feel for us and if were the right person to be on your team. It's a great idea to meet a few to guage who feels really aligned with you; the vibes have got to be right! During this meeting or call, we will explain how we work, and many of us offer bespoke offerings to suit you.
If it's a yes from us both, I love to dive deep in our sessions and offer up to 4 before birth, to really sit with you, connect and build that knowing between us. In between these sessions we'll be checking in, helping you find any information or resources that you need, and attending at least one appointment with your private midwife team (usually your 36 week appointment to finalise your birth map). I then go on call for you from 38 weeks or as agreed, and am waiting in the wings with you as you prepare to welcome your baby.
HBV: What is your favourite thing about being a doula?
Alex: There is so much I love about this role! But seeing you harness your power and call in connection and community is my absolute favourite thing. It's a revolutionary, radical act to invest in yourself. Because we are so worthy, and knowing this changes mothering for us all.
HBV: Is there anything else you'd like people to know about doulas or what they can provide?
Alex: That we are all so different and bring our own lived experiences, skillsets and philosophies to our work. Doula-ing to me isn't just about holding you in the birth space; it's about preparing, centreing and celebrating the family in front of you theough your whole rite of passage.
Research shows that there are numerous benefits to utilising the support of a doula during labour and birth including higher likelihood of a vaginal birth, lower rates of instrumental birth and use of pharmacological pain relief, shorter labour, greater maternal satisfaction with the birth and lower rates of postnatal depression. You can read more about this research here:
If you would like to hire a doula for your homebirth, check out these places or post your request in the HBV Facebook Group:
And tell us in the comments, did you hire a doula for your birth?
Written by homebirth mum & HBV volunteer, Cally
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