What Is a Doula? A Simple Guide for Expecting Moms
Date: 03/26/26
What Is a Doula? A Simple Guide for Expecting Moms
Being pregnant can be exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming or even scary, especially if you feel alone. The good news is that you don’t have to do this by yourself. Help is available at every stage of your pregnancy. One helpful support option is a doula.
What Is a Doula?
A doula is a trained professional who supports you during pregnancy, birth, and after your baby is born. Their main job is to help you feel safe, calm, and confident as you become a parent.
A doula can:
- Give emotional support
- Answer your questions
- Help you feel confident and cared for
It’s important to know that a doula is not a doctor or nurse. They do not give medical care. Instead, they focus on supporting you while your doctor or nurse handles your medical needs.
How Does a Doula Help?
A doula can support you before, during, and after birth—not just on delivery day.
Before the Baby Is Born
You’ll meet your doula during your pregnancy. They can:
- Answer questions and share tips to help you stay healthy
- Help you get ready for birth and parenthood
- Help you make a birth plan that matches your wishes
Doulas understand labor and delivery and can explain things in simple ways. They can also go with you to doctor visits to help you feel comfortable and supported.
During Birth
When it’s time to give birth, your doula can stay by your side. They help you feel calm and safe by:
- Guiding your breathing
- Helping you relax
- Sharing comfort and calming techniques
A doula can also speak up for you with the medical team to help make sure your needs are heard. Their support can lead to a more positive birth experience.
After the Baby Arrives
Life with a new baby can feel like a big change. A doula can continue to help by:
- Offering emotional support
- Helping with breastfeeding
- Explaining normal newborn behavior
- Supporting your whole family as you adjust
They can also connect you with helpful classes and community resources. A doula will help you feel more prepared for life with your new baby.
What Is the MHS “Doula and Me” Program?
If you’re pregnant and interested in working with a doula, MHS is here to help.
The MHS Special Delivery Program offers Doula and Me at no cost to you. This program supports you during pregnancy, birth, and after your baby arrives.
When you join, you’ll receive:
- One-on-one support from a Maternal Community Health Worker
- Access to doula services
- Pregnancy and parenting education
The program can help with:
- Support throughout pregnancy and after birth
- Rides to doctor visits
- Working with doctors to get the best care for you and your baby
- Prenatal and parenting classes
- 24/7 doula and breastfeeding support
- Help with food, housing, and transportation
- Getting items you may need before or after your baby is born
How to Enroll in the MHS “Doula and Me” Program
If you’re an MHS member, enrolling is easy. Follow these steps:
- Call 1-877-647-4848
- Tell the representative you want to join the Special Delivery Doula and Me Program.
- Then relax! They’ll take care of the rest!
Remember—you don’t have to go through pregnancy alone. MHS is here to support you every step of the way.