Doula Support For The Transition Into Parenthood

By: Caitlyn Undreiner, PICD

It’s no secret that the transition into parenthood can be full of joy one minute and completely overwhelming the next. If you’re in this phase of life, chances are you’ve received a ton of advice from friends and family, read all the articles you can get your hands on, and consulted Google more times than you can count. From birth plans to medical decisions, it’s easy to get lost in all the options and information.

What if there was someone who could help you sort through and make sense of it all? Someone who could help you confidently and easily navigate this incredibly transformative time.

You’re in luck! That’s exactly what doulas do. While many people immediately associate doulas with childbirth, their role goes far beyond labor support. Doulas can assist you every step of your journey, offering reassurance, clarity, and care when needed. Whether you’re navigating fertility challenges, preparing for birth, recovering postpartum, or coping with loss, there’s a doula for you.

I Just Don’t Know If A Doula Is Right For Me.

Despite the stereotypes, doulas are not just for home births and “crunchy” moms who want an all-natural experience. They support all types of people, preferences, and pathways to becoming parents.

The doula’s role is to provide physical, emotional, and educational support, offering evidence-based care and non-judgemental support through the highs, the lows, and everything in between. They can be your personal cheerleading section, your judgment-free zone, and your go-to expert for guidance on your parenthood journey. Who doesn’t need more of that?

From emotional reassurance during pregnancy to comfort measures in labor, to feeding support and newborn care, doulas play a unique role and can support and enhance your experience in ways that other care providers alone cannot. While your doctors focus on your clinical care and decision-making for a healthy pregnancy & birth, your doula is able to be fully present with you and prioritize your comfort, confidence, and overall experience. This complementary care can give you the best of both worlds.

Doulas don’t just support birthing parents either, they also present for the partner, family, and broader support system. Whether offering education and practical tips, modeling supportive care, or helping to navigate the many changes and challenges, your doula can assist everyone involved to feel more included and confident.

The Research Shows…

Still need more reasons to add a doula to your care team? Research has consistently shown that doula support leads to better birth outcomes, improved maternal mental health, and smoother postpartum recoveries. 

Having doula support decreases the likelihood of interventions such as synthetic oxytocin by 31%, anesthesia use by 10%, and the rate of cesarean sections by 39%. Additionally, Birth Doula support is associated with shorter labor and a greater overall sense of satisfaction reported by the birthing person.

Research also credits doula support with higher APGAR scores for the baby, higher breastfeeding satisfaction and success, lower rates of postpartum depression, increased self-confidence, and stronger partner relationships.

Want to learn more? Check out Evidence Based Birth and Choices In Childbirth for additional research-backed benefits and information.

What Does Doula Support Look Like?

From conception to postpartum a doula can help you navigate the unknown with confidence, demystifying your options, labor stages, pain management techniques, newborn care, and everything in between. With their unwavering support, you can feel informed, empowered, and ready for whatever comes next. 

Fertility & Early Pregnancy Support

Trying to conceive can feel like a never-ending game of “will we or won’t we?” It can be draining, and frustrating, and can leave you feeling like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster. Doulas who provide support for this stage of your journey can offer reassurance, emotional support, holistic approaches, and resources that keep you feeling empowered. They can accompany you to appointments, be your cheerleader through IVF cycles, and provide a safe space when there are bumps in the road.

Prenatal Education & Labor Support

Pregnancy doesn’t follow a script, and waiting for your baby’s arrival can be nerve-wracking. Doulas can help you better understand the changes and challenges that arise, explore your birth options, and provide you with resources and techniques to better prepare you for labor.

During Labor, they can offer hands-on comfort measures like massage, breathing exercises, and movement to manage pain and keep you feeling confident. They can also support you to advocate for your preferences and help you understand medical jargon and possible interventions so that you can make informed decisions every step of the way.

Postpartum & Newborn Care Support

For many parents, the biggest challenges begin when they bring their baby home. Doulas can help you navigate the newness of parenthood with emotional support and practical advice, so you feel more confident in your new role. They can assist you in finding balance with the needs of your postpartum recovery and caring for your newborn. They can also provide resources and  support for infant feeding, soothing, sleep, and much more. 

Support for Special Circumstances

Every journey to parenthood is unique. Doulas provide care during high-risk pregnancies, multiple births, premature deliveries, or even loss. Doulas are there to provide emotional care, connect families with additional resources, and make sure no one feels alone in the toughest moments.

But What About Cost? 

One of the biggest questions parents have is how to afford a doula. 

Generally speaking, doulas base fees on their level of training & experience, the specific services they provide, and the current market in their area. In New Jersey and the New York Metro area, Birth Doula services typically range from $1,500 - $5,000 and Postpartum Doula services typically range from $30 - $90/hr.

Even if that doesn’t seem financially accessible for you, there’s good news. As the doula profession continues to grow and the undeniable benefits gain recognition, care is becoming more accessible than ever, with a variety of options to help make it work within your budget. 

Sliding Scale & Payment Plans

Doulas understand that cost can be a barrier, which is why some offer flexible payment plans or sliding-scale fees based on the type of services and total number of hours you book, or even based on income. If your budget is a concern, don’t be afraid to ask about options; many doulas are happy to work with you on cost, just as they are at every other step of the process.

Insurance Coverage & Other Benefits

In several states, Medicaid and private insurance plans cover doula services as part of maternity care. Check with your insurance provider to see if they offer reimbursement or direct coverage. In some cases FSA or HSA funds can be used toward doula services, and many employers are also starting to offer benefits specifically for fertility, birth, and postpartum support.

Community-Based Programs  

Organizations working to make doula support more accessible are growing too and some programs provide free or low-cost doula services, especially for families who may not have the resources to hire one privately. Local non-profits, health departments, and birth justice organizations are great places to start your search.

While hiring a doula is an investment, it can have a lasting impact on your birth and postpartum experience. Whether you pay out of pocket, use insurance, or find a community program, the benefits of having a doula are truly invaluable.

Finding Your Perfect Doula

So, how do you find your perfect doula? Here’s what you want to consider:

▸ Chemistry: You want to feel comfortable and understood by your doula. After all, this is someone who you will be sharing a uniquely personal experience with.

▸ Adaptability: Life changes, and so do your needs. A great doula tailors their care to your unique journey.

▸ Cultural Competence: It’s important to find someone who respects and honors your values and traditions.

▸ Reviews and Testimonials: Firsthand experiences from families who’ve worked with your doula can help highlight their unique approaches and areas of expertise.

Questions to Ask a Doula

When you interview a potential doula, asking thoughtful questions can help you find the right fit. You may want to ask:

▸ Experience & Training: "What certifications do you hold? How many families have you supported?"

▸ Specializations: "Do you focus on areas like postpartum care or birth advocacy?"

▸ Support Approach: "How do you adapt to different family dynamics?"

▸ Availability: "Are you available around my due date? How do you handle backup coverage?"

▸ Cost & Packages: "What are your fees, and do you offer payment plans?"

Where Do I Begin?

Many families start by asking friends, healthcare providers, or social media groups for recommendations. 

Beyond personal suggestions, there are several reliable resources to help you find a doula suited to your needs. Some options include:

▸ Doula Training Organizations like DONA International, ProDoula, and BWI that provide directories for members certified directly through their programs.

▸ Specialized Networks such as VBAC Link (supporting vaginal birth after cesarean), Queer Doula Network, and National Black Doula Association can offer you a more tailored search for your specific needs.

▸ Community-based Organizations like Ancient Song and JustBirth Space are available for families to access free or low-cost services.

▸ Local Doula Agencies like Bloom Baby Doulas can help you streamline your search by providing you with vetted candidates, saving you the time and effort of sifting through all the options yourself.

Your Doula, Your Journey

At the end of the day, it’s all about you, and your specific needs and goals for this time. 

What would it be like to navigate fertility treatments with a guide who brings calm to the chaos? How could things be different for you in labor with someone focused solely on your needs? Could you find more confidence in your postpartum transition with someone who reminds you that you’re doing an incredible job?

Doula care is more than a service, it’s a partnership in one of life’s most profound journeys. Ready to take the next step? Your doula is waiting to support you, every step of the way.

 

References:

1. Bohren, M. A., Hofmeyr, G. J., Sakala, C., Fukuzawa, R. K., & Cuthbert, A. (2017). Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
2. Kozhimannil, K. B., Hardeman, R. R., Attanasio, L. B., Blauer-Peterson, C., & O’Brien, M. (2016). Doula care, birth outcomes, and costs among Medicaid beneficiaries. American Journal of Public Health.
3. Klaus, M. H., & Kennell, J. H. (2012). The Doula Book: How a Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth.
4. Gruber, K. J., Cupito, S. H., & Dobson, C. F. (2013). Impact of doulas on healthy birth outcomes. Journal of Perinatal Education.

 

Written by: 

Caitlyn Undreiner, PICD

Master Postpartum Doula & Agency Owner

Caitlyn’s unwavering dedication to helping families thrive is rooted in her extensive professional experience and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between parents' mental health, family dynamics, and infant development. Since 2012, she has specialized in supporting families across New Jersey and the New York Metro Area as a Postpartum Doula, Parent Educator, Sleep Coach, Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator, and Perinatal Mental Health Ambassador.

Passionate about fostering thriving beginnings, Caitlyn helps parents navigate the complexities of early parenthood while addressing their baby’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs. Her evidence-based, trauma-informed approach combines practical strategies with compassionate guidance to create nurturing environments where both parents and babies can flourish.

As the owner of Bloom Baby Doulas, she is honored to connect families with skilled, empathetic doulas who provide personalized care. She also mentors and trains doulas and other professional care providers, advocating for compassionate, competent, and collaborative care within the childbirth community.

Caitlyn’s mission is to ensure that every family feels supported and confident as they build a strong foundation for their child’s future, fostering resilience, connection, and joy throughout their journey into parenthood.