Doula 101

Written by the Progyny Editorial Team. Reviewed by the Progyny Clinical Team — March 2026.  

You may be considering a doula for your pregnancy, birth, or recovery but aren’t so sure what they do. There are many myths and misconceptions about them out there, too. First, let’s talk about what a doula can do for you.  

What is a doula?  

A doula is a trained professional who provides non-medical support to you and your family before, during, and after birth. Research has shown the impact doulas have had:  

• Lowered the odds of C-sections by 52.9%   

• Cut the risk of postpartum depression and anxiety by 57.5%  

• Reduced the likelihood of using pain medication during labor by 10% 

Doulas are not medical staff, such as OB/GYNs, midwives, and nurses. However, they have a strong understanding of the birthing process and work with your care team to provide holistic support. They can help by:  

• Getting you comfortable during pregnancy, labor, and birth 

• Making a birth wish list with you, no matter how you’re planning to deliver  

• Advocating for you during labor and delivery  

• Teaching safe infant feeding and sleep practices  

• Being there for you, as you transition to being there for your baby 

Top 6 doula myths   

There are quite a few myths about doulas. It’s time to clear up some of the most common ones:  

1. “Doulas are only for home births.”  

Doulas can support you wherever you choose to give birth — at home, in a hospital, or at a birth center. They can support parents during c-sections, epidurals, non-medicated births, pain medicines, inductions, and more.   

2. “Aren’t doulas just for hippies and tree huggers?”  

Doulas are for everyone, regardless of lifestyle or background. While they became popular in the 1970s, doulas have evolved into modern partners in the birthing journey.  

3. “They’re only for rich people.”  

Doula fees vary based on location, experience, and services they provide. On average, a birth doula costs between $500 and $2,500. Postpartum doulas may charge around $25 to $75 per hour.  

Some insurance plans and Medicaid programs now cover doula services. Community-based programs and non-profits may also offer low- or no-cost support. Some employers may provide reimbursement, so check with your HR team too.  

4. “I’ve heard that doulas don’t get along with medical staff.”  

Certified doulas are trained to collaborate with healthcare providers. Many hospitals and healthcare systems are working to bring doulas into their labor and delivery service. That’s because doulas:   

• Provide emotional and physical support to patients during labor.  

• Reduce stress on the medical team, freeing them to focus on clinical tasks.  

• Improve patient-staff communication.  

5. “My partner thinks a doula will replace them.”  

A doula doesn’t replace your partner. Instead, they help your partner feel more confident and involved by offering guidance on how to support you. It’s a team effort!    

6. “I have a nurse midwife. I don’t need a doula.”   

Nurse midwives and doulas both support people during pregnancy and birth, but their roles are pretty different. 

A nurse midwife is a licensed medical provider with advanced training in midwifery. They manage the clinical side of pregnancy and birth. This includes monitoring your health, performing exams, and delivering your baby. 

A doula doesn’t provide medical care or make clinical decisions. They are trained to give you emotional, physical, and informational support — such as helping you understand your options and advocate for your preferences.  

How Progyny can help  

Adding a doula to your birth plan can improve your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support and more information.  

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.  

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