# What Is a Doula?

A doula is a trained companion who supports a person and their family through birth, the postpartum weeks or the end of life. A doula does not give medical care.

Updated 2026-10-20. Also on the [web page](https://doulas.fyi/guides/what-is-a-doula).

# What Is a Doula?

A doula is a trained companion who gives emotional, physical and informational support to a person and their family. A doula is not a clinician: they do not diagnose, prescribe or perform medical procedures.

## The three kinds of doula

- **Birth doulas** support you during pregnancy and labour. They help you prepare, stay with you continuously during the birth, and often visit once afterwards.
- **Postpartum doulas** help in the first weeks after the baby arrives: newborn care, feeding support, household help and space for you to rest and recover.
- **End-of-life doulas** (also called death doulas or death midwives) support a dying person and their family with planning, presence and practical help at the end of life.

## What a doula does and does not do

A doula listens, explains options in plain words, suggests comfort measures and stays present when others cannot. A doula does not replace a midwife, nurse or doctor, and does not give medical advice. On this site, every listing states what the business itself says it offers.

## How to choose one

Ask about their training, the births or families they have supported, what their fee includes, and how on-call time works. A short introductory call is normal before you book. Use the doula cost estimator and the Medicaid coverage checker on this site to plan the cost side.

## Sources

- [DONA International - What is a doula](https://www.dona.org/what-is-a-doula-2/)
- [International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA)](https://inelda.org/)

## Questions

### Is a doula the same as a midwife?

No. A midwife is a licensed clinician who delivers babies and provides medical care. A doula is a nonmedical companion; doulas do not perform clinical tasks.

### Do I need a doula if I have a partner or family support?

Not necessarily. A doula adds trained, continuous support and helps your partner help you. Many families hire one for the calm of someone who has seen many births.

### What is a death doula?

An end-of-life doula, also called a death doula or death midwife, supports a dying person and their family with planning, presence and practical help. They do not provide medical or legal services.

> **Not medical advice.** This site is a directory, not a clinical service. A doula gives emotional, physical and informational support, not medical care. Always talk with your midwife, doctor or other licensed clinician about medical decisions.