What Does a Doula Do? Breaking Down the Myths and Facts
If you’ve ever heard the term “doula” and thought, Isn’t that just a fancy word for a midwife? or Aren’t doulas only for people who want unmedicated home births?—you’re not alone! There are a lot of misconceptions about what doulas do, and more importantly, how they can support families beyond birth itself.
So let’s break it down. Whether you’re expecting, navigating postpartum, or just curious about what having a doula actually means, here’s what you need to know.
Myth #1: “A Doula Is the Same as a Midwife”
🚫 Fact: Doulas and midwives play completely different roles in birth and postpartum care.
A midwife is a trained healthcare provider who offers medical care during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. They monitor vitals, deliver babies, and provide medical guidance.
A doula, on the other hand, is a trained support person who offers non-medical, emotional, and practical care. Doulas focus on:
Birth support (comfort measures, advocacy, and guidance through labor).
Postpartum support (helping parents adjust, feeding guidance, meal prep, and emotional reassurance).
Fertility and family planning support (helping families navigate decisions before pregnancy).
Think of a doula as a professional support system for parents, there to make sure they feel prepared, empowered, and cared for throughout the journey.
Myth #2: “Doulas Are Only for Home Births or Natural Births”
🚫 Fact: Doulas support all birth choices—including hospital births, C-sections, epidurals, and induction.
Whether you’re planning an unmedicated home birth or a scheduled C-section, a doula can help. They offer:
Education so you can make informed decisions.
Comfort techniques for pain management, whether you have an epidural or not.
Advocacy to help communicate your birth preferences to your medical team.
Birth looks different for everyone, and a doula’s job is to support your choices—not push an agenda.
Myth #3: “Once the Baby Arrives, My Doula’s Job Is Over”
🚫 Fact: Many doulas (like me!) offer postpartum support, which can be just as valuable as birth support.
The postpartum period—often called the fourth trimester—is full of big changes. Your body is healing, you’re adjusting to life with a newborn, and sleep deprivation is real.
Postpartum doulas provide hands-on, in-home support, such as:
Helping with feeding (chestfeeding, bottle-feeding, or combo feeding).
Meal prep and light household support so you can rest.
Holding the baby while you shower, nap, or take a break.
Guidance on newborn care so you feel confident in your parenting.
Many parents say that postpartum doula care is one of the best investments they made because it helped them feel less overwhelmed and more supported in those early days.
Myth #4: “A Doula Replaces My Partner or Family”
🚫 Fact: Doulas enhance support—not replace it.
Many partners or family members want to help but may not know how. Doulas provide:
Encouragement and education for partners so they feel more involved.
Tips on how to best support the birthing parent.
Reassurance and guidance to reduce stress and uncertainty for the whole family.
Partners don’t have to do it all alone—having a doula means they can also take care of themselves and enjoy the experience.
Why Consider a Doula?
Doulas provide more than just birth support—they offer emotional, physical, and practical care before, during, and after birth. Whether it’s helping you prepare for labor, supporting your choices, or guiding you through postpartum recovery, a doula ensures you feel confident and cared for every step of the way.
This blog was written by Alix, a dedicated doula in Montreal, Canada, and the founder of TENDER.LY. She provides expert pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and infant feeding support to help families feel confident and cared for. Whether you're preparing for birth, navigating the fourth trimester, or looking for feeding guidance, Alix offers compassionate, personalized support.