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What Is a Doula? Birth & Postpartum Support | Roots Wholistic Health, Waupaca
By Dr. Alyssa McPeak, DC, CFMP
You’ve picked your provider, started your baby registry, and probably received enough unsolicited birth advice to fill a book. But there’s another question worth asking as you prepare to meet your baby: Who will be there to support you?
At Roots Wholistic Health in Waupaca, we believe moms deserve to feel informed, heard, and cared for throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. A doula can be a wonderful addition to that support system.
What is a doula?
A doula is a trained support professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum. Birth doulas focus on preparing for and supporting labor and birth. Postpartum doulas help families recover and adjust after their baby arrives. Some doulas offer both services.[1,2]
A doula’s role is nonmedical. They do not perform cervical exams, monitor your baby’s heart rate, prescribe medications, or deliver your baby. Those responsibilities belong to your clinical care team. Your doula focuses on helping you feel supported and communicate your needs.[1]
What does a birth doula do?
Before your baby arrives
A doula gets to know you, your preferences, and what matters most to you about your birth experience. Prenatal visits may include discussing questions or fears, creating birth preferences, practicing comfort techniques, and helping your partner prepare to support you.[1]
During labor and birth
A birth doula offers continuous support, which may include:
Guiding breathing and relaxation techniques.
Offering massage, counterpressure, and position changes appropriate to your situation.
Providing reassurance and encouragement.
Helping your partner participate and take breaks.
Helping you express your preferences and ask your care team questions.[1]
Whether you want an unmedicated birth, plan to use an epidural, want an induction, or have a cesarean birth, doula support can be tailored to your circumstances. You don’t need a particular kind of birth to deserve support.[3]
The benefits of having a doula on your birth team
Having a familiar, supportive person beside you can help you feel less alone during an intense and sometimes unpredictable experience. A doula also gives your partner guidance, so they can support you with more confidence.
Research on continuous labor support—which includes support from doulas and other companions—suggests it may increase the likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth, shorten labor, reduce cesarean birth and pain medication use, and reduce negative feelings about the birth experience. Evidence quality varies, and these findings do not guarantee an individual outcome.[4]
Choosing pain relief or needing a cesarean does not make your birth less successful. Our hope is that you feel respected, understand your options, and receive compassionate care as your birth unfolds.
How doulas work alongside OBs and midwives
Your OB or midwife provides clinical care, assesses your health and your baby’s well-being, and recommends treatment when needed. Your doula adds focused emotional support, comfort measures, and help communicating with that team. These roles complement one another.[1,5]
For example, if your provider recommends an intervention, your doula can help you organize your questions and express your concerns. Your provider explains the medical benefits, risks, and alternatives, and you participate in decisions about your care.
If your birth plan changes, your doula can offer reassurance and help you stay connected to what is happening. A positive birth experience can include flexibility, interventions, and a strong team working together to make you feel as comfortable as possible.
How a postpartum doula helps after birth
Everyone wants to hold the baby...who holds the moms? Moms need someone who asks, “Have you eaten? How are you feeling? What would help you rest? Do you need a hot bath?”
A postpartum doula supports the whole family during the transition home. Depending on their training and services, that support may include:
Teaching diapering, soothing, and basic newborn care.
Offering basic breast- or bottle-feeding support and referrals when needed.
Preparing simple meals and helping with light household tasks.
Caring for your baby while you rest or shower.
Helping partners and siblings adjust.
Recognizing situations that might need medical attention.
Listening as you process your birth experience.[2]
They can also help you connect with a lactation consultant, medical provider, or mental health professional when concerns need specialized care. Postpartum doula support complements your postpartum checkups.[2,6]
Birth packages may include a short postpartum visit, while ongoing home support may require a separate agreement. Ask what is included before booking.
Our favorite local doulas
At Roots Wholistic Health, some of our favorite doulas in the area include:
If you’re exploring doula support in the Waupaca area, these are names we love sharing with families. Reach out directly to discuss availability, service areas, birth support, and postpartum options.
When choosing a doula, ask about their training, experience, backup coverage, and approach to working with your OB or midwife. Most of all, look for someone who listens and respects your choices.
Build your village before your baby arrives
At Roots Wholistic Health, we specialize in pregnancy and pediatric functional medicine + chiropractic care, supporting women through fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and peri-menopause. We love empowering women and providing them with natural healthcare, practical help, and compassionate support.
Expecting a baby? Ask us about our favorite local doulas at your next Roots visit. You deserve care and encouragement as you welcome your little one.
Sources:
DONA International, What Is a Birth Doula?
DONA International, What Is a Postpartum Doula?
ACOG, I’m an Ob-Gyn. Here’s Why I Had a Doula Help With My Delivery.
DONA International, Postpartum Standards of Practice
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