What Is a Doula?
According to DONA International, a doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to a mother before, during, and after childbirth. Unlike doctors, nurses, or midwives, doulas are non-medical professionals—think of them as birth coaches focused on your comfort, advocacy, and emotional well-being.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) even states that continuous support during labor—especially from a doula—is one of the most effective tools to improve outcomes for parents and babies (ACOG Committee Opinion).
Doulas focus on three main pillars of care:
- Emotional support (encouragement, reassurance, calming presence)
- Physical support (comfort measures like massage, positioning, and breathing techniques)
- Informational support (helping you understand your options and communicate with your care team)
The Six Healthy Birth Practices
In a recent LMFM community health workshop, Rae Johnson-Bundy and Madhu Rajakittu explained how doulas use six evidence-based practices to make birth healthier and less stressful. These practices include:
- Let labor begin on its own. Avoiding unnecessary induction allows natural hormones to guide the process.
- Walk, move, and change positions. Movement encourages progress, helps the baby descend, and reduces discomfort.
- Have continuous support. With a doula, you’re never left alone—someone is there for you, every step of the way.
- Avoid unnecessary interventions. Using the BRAIN acronym (Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, Nothing) helps families make informed decisions.
- Avoid giving birth flat on your back. Upright positions and listening to your body’s urge to push make birth safer and more efficient.
- Keep parent and baby together. The “golden hour” of skin-to-skin contact helps with bonding, breastfeeding, and recovery.
These aren’t just suggestions—they are supported by research and years of evidence showing that doulas reduce the need for interventions, shorten labor, and improve the overall birth experience (Mayo Clinic: Do You Need a Doula?).
Why Families Choose Doulas
There are countless reasons families hire doulas. Here are a few key benefits:
- Advocacy and communication. Doulas help parents express preferences and understand medical terminology.
- Comfort measures. From massage to positioning to breathing strategies, doulas provide practical tools for labor.
- Breastfeeding support. Many doulas are trained in lactation and can assist with early feeding challenges.
- Partner support. Doulas guide spouses, partners, or loved ones so they feel confident and included in the birth process.
- Postpartum care. Birth is only the beginning—postpartum doulas help families adjust to life with a newborn, offering emotional support and practical assistance.
Local doulas also emphasize inclusivity and access. For example, the Diversifying Doulas Initiative in Lancaster provides free doulas to women of color, ensuring more families have access to this life-changing support.
Finding a Doula
If you’re considering hiring a doula, the first step is to connect with a qualified professional. Make sure they are accredited, experienced, and a good fit for your family. Great resources include:
- DoulaMatch.net – National directory of doulas
- DONA International Directory
- Black Doulas National Directory
Local doulas we trust and recommend:
- Rae Johnson-Bundy, Doula Right Thing
- Christi Stoltzfus, Bellissima Mama Doula
- Madhu Rajakittu, Guiding Hand Doula
- Stacy Martinez, Therapist and Doula
Why LMFM Loves Doulas
At LMFM, our specialists see firsthand how doulas transform the birth experience. They provide continuous support that complements medical care, empowering parents and reducing stress. We are proud to collaborate with doulas across Lancaster County to make birth safer, more positive, and more supported for every family.
