What Exactly Does a Doula Do? And Do I Need One?

Pregnancy is full of decisions—some big, some small, and some that pop up at 3 am when you suddenly wonder, “Wait... what if I want more support than just my midwife and partner?” That’s where doulas often enter the picture.

While New Zealand is lucky to have a world-class midwifery system that offers continuity of care (something many countries don’t), some expectant parents want extra support—emotional, physical, and practical—that a doula can offer. If you’ve ever wondered what a doula actually does, how they work alongside your midwife, and whether hiring one might be right for you, you’re in the right place.

So, What Is a Doula?

The word doula comes from ancient Greek and means “a woman who serves.” These days, doulas are trained (but not medically qualified) support people who walk beside you through pregnancy, birth, and often those early hazy newborn weeks.

They’re your calm presence when things get intense. They’re the person who rubs your back, reminds you to breathe, holds your hand, encourages your partner, fetches the heat pack, and helps you find your rhythm. They’re not there to give medical advice or replace your midwife—far from it. They’re there to walk with you and your birth team, offering continuity, emotional grounding, and practical tools when you need them most.

In a nutshell: a doula supports you, believes in you, and helps you feel strong and safe.

Midwives and Doulas: What's the Difference?

Let’s clear this up: In New Zealand, your midwife is often your Lead Maternity Carer (LMC)—the primary health professional responsible for your care during pregnancy, labour, birth, and the postnatal period.

While some people may have a GP or obstetrician as their LMC, most are supported by a midwife. Midwives are amazing—they’re not only focused on clinical care like monitoring your baby’s wellbeing and managing the medical aspects of birth, but they’re also a key source of emotional support. They’ll often help clarify or explain medical terms if a specialist becomes involved, and they usually have a solid understanding of your birth preferences, advocating for these where possible.

They’re your guide, your voice, and your steady presence as you move through this experience.

Why Some Women Choose a Doula

While midwives provide incredible care, they can’t always be a constant presence, especially in early labour or postpartum. Many mums find that a doula fills in the gaps. She’s there when your partner is overwhelmed, when the hospital is busy, or when you just want someone to help you navigate the many “what now?” moments.

You might consider hiring a doula if:

• You want continuity of emotional support before, during, and after birth

• You’re giving birth without a partner or don’t have close family nearby

• You or your partner are anxious about birth and want extra guidance

• You want someone else to help you advocate for your wishes during birth

• You’re planning a VBAC, induction, or caesarean and want more tailored support

• You’d love a gentle, nurturing presence in your birth space

What the Research Says

It’s not just a feel-good thing—research backs doulas up. Studies show that having a doula present can:

• Shorten labour

• Decrease the need for pain relief or epidurals

• Reduce the likelihood of caesarean or assisted delivery

• Improve breastfeeding success

• Lower the risk of postnatal depression

• Increase satisfaction with the birth experience

And that makes sense. Feeling safe, supported, and respected plays a massive role in how we birth—and how we feel about our birth afterwards.

What Birth Doulas Actually Do

Every doula is different, but most birth doulas will offer:

• A few prenatal visits to get to know you and help create a birth plan

• Support throughout labour (at home and/or hospital)

• Emotional encouragement, reassurance, and grounding

• Hands-on comfort like massage, acupressure, heat packs, or aromatherapy

• Suggestions for labour positions, breathing, and managing pain

• Gentle coaching for your partner so they can support you better

• Staying after the birth to help with early feeding and settling

• Postnatal visits for emotional support and recovery

Some doulas are also trained in things like reflexology, herbal healing, postpartum massage, or nutrition—little extras that can make a big difference.

What About Postpartum Doulas?

Not everyone wants or needs support during labour—but many mums find they do need extra help once baby arrives. That’s where a postpartum doula can be a game-changer.

You don’t need to have had a birth doula to hire one postpartum. Some parents skip birth support entirely and choose to bring in a doula once they’re home with baby—when the visitors have left, the adrenaline has worn off, and reality sets in.

Either way, they’re focused on you, your recovery, and your emotional wellbeing, while also supporting your baby’s transition into the world.

They might:

• Help with breastfeeding or bottle feeding

• Support your emotional recovery and listen without judgment

• Tend to baby while you nap or shower

• Prepare nourishing meals or snacks

• Help with light tidying or laundry

• Offer newborn care guidance, sleep tips, and gentle reassurance

Support is flexible—you might want just a few visits, or regular help over several weeks.

How to Choose the Right Doula for You

Choosing a doula is a bit like choosing a new friend—except one who’ll be with you during one of the most intense experiences of your life. It’s less about qualifications and more about connection.

When you’re interviewing a doula (and yes, it’s absolutely OK to “interview” more than one!), consider asking the following:

• What inspired you to become a doula? Passion matters.

• What training have you done, and how many births have you attended? Experience can vary.

• How do you usually support women during labour? Ask for specifics: massage, breathing, movement, birth pools, etc.

• Will you support whatever choices we make?

• Do you work well alongside midwives and medical staff? Teamwork is everything.

• What kind of support do you offer postnatally?

• Are you on call, and from when?

• Do you have a backup doula, and can we meet them?

• How do you handle long labours or last-minute changes?

• What are your fees and what’s included?

• How do we contact you—text, phone, email? And when?

But most importantly—how do you feel when you're talking to them? Heard? Safe? Understood? That gut feeling matters. Trust it!

New Zealand’s maternity system is built around continuity of midwifery care, which is a huge advantage. But even within that model, doulas offer something unique. They bring heart, hands-on help, emotional steadiness, and constant presence to a process that’s unpredictable and deeply personal.

Whether you’re birthing your first baby or your fourth, whether you’re planning a home birth or an elective caesarean, a doula could be the exact kind of support you didn’t know you needed.

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to birth. But having someone by your side who gets it, who’s been there, who’s trained to support you without judgment or agenda—that’s something really special.

If you’re curious about hiring a doula or wondering if it might be right for you, take the next step: start the conversation. Ask around. Trust your instincts. And remember—support that feels good is never a luxury. It’s a powerful part of your birth story.