Birth Doula – The most common type of doula; birth doulas are also referred to as labor doulas. Birth doulas begin to support the mother a few weeks before the birth of the baby to a few weeks after birth.  By supporting the mother through practical advice and companionship, birth doulas make the process of pregnancy and labor a much more positive experience for the mother.

Postpartum Doula – As the second most popular type of doulas, a postpartum doula provides support to the mother and newborn in the first few weeks after birth.  Postpartum doulas can show the mother the best methods of breastfeeding as well as other aspects of infant care such as bathing the baby.  Since many birth doulas stay to support the mother after childbirth, birth doulas transition into postpartum doulas during this time.

Antepartum Doula – Antepartum (before birth) doulas help during circumstances of a high-risk pregnancy. Usually, the mother is confined to bed, so antepartum doulas provide advice on bed rest, stress reduction activities, and the various complications during a high-risk birth.

Adoption Doula – In addition to the usual practical and emotional support given by a birth doula, an adoption doula specializes in providing a tailored plan to both the biological mother and the adopting family.  One of the primary responsibilities of an adoption doula is to ease the transition of the newborn from one family to the next.

Family Life Doula – Newborn babies can cause a dramatic shift in a family’s dynamics.  Doulas that assist in soothing the introduction of the newborn into the new family are called family life doulas. Siblings who become new brothers and sisters and partners who become new fathers can be vulnerable during this stressful transition and require support from family life doulas.

Importance of Doulas

“Professional Doula’s are very important to the birth world”

Research Based Birth has provided an analysis of evidence for the benefits of a doula, you can read their report, Evidence On: Doulas.