What Does a Doula Actually Do? The Role of Support in Labor
- Cheyenne Williamson
- Apr 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 8
When I tell people I’m a doula, I usually get one of two reactions:
A confident, “Oh, so you’re basically a midwife!” (Not quite, but I love the enthusiasm.)
A slightly confused, “Wait… what’s a doula?” (Fair question! Let’s talk about it.)
Here’s the deal: A doula is not a midwife. I don’t catch babies or handle medical stuff. Instead, I’m there to support you—physically, emotionally, and mentally—through one of the most intense and transformative experiences of your life. Think of me as your birth coach, cheerleader, and comfort specialist all rolled into one.
Emotional Support: A Safe Space in the Storm
Labor can be a wild ride. One minute, you’re zen and focused, and the next, you’re cursing the person who suggested walking during contractions. I’m here for it all. My job is to hold space for you—whether that means hyping you up, offering a calming presence, or just being someone who doesn’t flinch when things get real.
Physical Support: Comfort Measures, Position Changes, and Maybe a Little Dancing
Labor is a full-body workout you didn’t exactly train for. That’s where I come in. I’m like your birth coach, cheerleader, and comfort specialist all rolled into one. Need counter-pressure on your hips? I’m on it. Want to try some new positions to get things moving? I’ve got a whole mental library of ideas. (And a literal one too—more on that later.)
Oh, and if you feel like swaying, slow dancing, or swaying on a birth ball to your favorite tunes, I’m totally game. I've actually been at a birth where the baby was born during Chappell Roan's HOT TO GO! and it was a vibe! Birth doesn’t have to look one specific way, and I’m here to help you find what feels right.
Informational Support: Making Sense of the Madness
Birth is kind of like a Choose Your Own Adventure book, but with more bodily fluids. Things happen fast, and it can be overwhelming to navigate decisions on the fly. I’m here to break down your options without the medical jargon and help you feel confident about your choices. I’m not making decisions for you—just giving you the info to make the ones that feel right.
Advocacy: Keeping Your Voice Loud and Proud
Sometimes birth spaces can feel a little… clinical. My goal is to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered. If you’ve got a birth plan, I’m here to help it come to life as much as possible. If plans change (because sometimes they do), I’m there to make sure you still feel in control.
Partner Support: Team Birth FTW
Partners, I see you. You want to be helpful, but maybe you’re not quite sure how. I’m here to give you practical ways to support your person without feeling like you’re in the way. Whether it’s offering massage tips, reminding you to hydrate (yes, you too), or just giving you a pep talk, I’ve got your back so you can focus on theirs.
The Doula Difference: Why It Matters
Studies show that having continuous support during labor can lead to shorter labors, less need for pain relief, and fewer interventions. Plus, having a familiar face there just feels good. You deserve to feel seen, heard, and supported through every single contraction.
I wrote more about How a Doula Could Improve Your Birth Experience here if you want to check it out.
Wrap-Up:
Basically, a doula is like your birth sidekick—there to support, empower, and cheer you on. Whether it’s helping you navigate positions, hyping you up when things get tough, or being that calm voice when you feel overwhelmed, I’m in your corner.
And if you want some practical guidance on labor positions (because let’s be honest, labor is a whole-body experience), check out my book, A Doula’s Guide to Labor Positions. It’s packed with ideas to keep you moving, grooving, and finding your groove during birth.
Also available as an Interactive PDF!
Comments