What Does a Doula Do? Everything You Need to Know

Doula

If you’re expecting a baby and looking into birth support options, you may be wondering: “What does a doula do and what is the role of a doula?”

While doulas are becoming more well-known, many parents-to-be are still unsure of how a doula fits into their pregnancy, birth, or postpartum journey.

In this post, we’ll explain the benefits and the role of a doula, what kind of support they provide, and how hiring a doula in Munich can help you feel more confident and empowered throughout your birth experience.


What Is a Doula?

A doula is a trained professional who offers non-medical, emotional, physical, and informational support to pregnant individuals and their families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

Unlike a midwife, a doula does not deliver babies or perform medical procedures. Instead, their goal is to support you mentally and physically, helping to make your birth experience as calm, informed, and positive as possible.


What Does a Doula Do During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, a doula provides:

Many doulas also assist with relaxation techniques, stress relief, and birth visualization practices to prepare you mentally and emotionally.


What Does a Doula Do During Labor?

During labor, a doula is by your side — often from the very beginning of active labor until after the baby is born. Their support includes:

  • Continuous presence (unlike many medical staff who may come and go)

  • Pain relief techniques: breathing, massage, counter-pressure, positioning

  • Emotional support: calming words, encouragement, affirmations

  • Support for your partner: guiding them on how to help effectively

  • Advocacy: helping you communicate your preferences with hospital staff

Having a doula can reduce the likelihood of interventions and increase satisfaction with the birth experience, according to research.


What Does a Doula Do After Birth?

Postpartum, a doula can continue to support you by:

  • Assisting with breastfeeding or bottle feeding

  • Helping you recover emotionally from birth

  • Supporting you in adjusting to life with a newborn

  • Light practical help like meal prep or baby care guidance

  • Referring you to local resources (midwives, therapists, lactation consultants)

Some doulas offer dedicated postpartum doula services, while others include limited postnatal support as part of their birth package.


Is a Doula Right for Me?

You might benefit from working with a doula if:

  • You want a calm and supported birth experience

  • You’re nervous about labor or first-time parenting

  • You’d like someone focused 100% on your emotional and physical needs

  • You want help preparing a birth plan or communicating with your care team

Whether you’re planning a home birth, hospital delivery, or cesarean, a doula can be a valuable part of your support team.


Doula Services in Munich

At Mamiflow, we provide warm, professional doula services in Munich tailored to your unique needs. From the first trimester to the “fourth trimester,” our mission is to help you feel informed, empowered, and cared for every step of the way.

Book a free consultation to learn more about how a doula can support your birth journey.