Do I Really Need a Doula? How Birth Support Makes a Difference
What Is a Doula?
A doula is a trained professional who provides non-medical support during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Unlike a midwife or OB-GYN, doulas don’t provide medical care. Instead, they offer continuous emotional, physical, and informational support before and during labour.
Evidence shows that this kind of continuous support is associated with better birth outcomes, including shorter labours, fewer cesarean births, and higher rates of spontaneous vaginal birth (Bohren et al., 2017, Cochrane Database).
Do I Really Need a Doula?
If you're pregnant you may be asking: Do I really need a doula?
Here’s why many expecting parents are saying yes:
They provide continuous support: Unlike hospital staff who may rotate during shifts, doulas stay with you throughout the entire labour process. This kind of steady presence has been linked to decreased use of epidurals and improved satisfaction with birth.
They offer comfort techniques: Think massage, breathing cues, position changes, counterpressure, and warm compresses—all of which can reduce pain and anxiety.
They support your partner too: A doula doesn’t replace your partner; they help them feel more confident and involved. Research shows that partners also report feeling more supported when a doula is present.
They help you make informed choices: Doulas offer evidence-based information at the moment when decisions count. This can be especially valuable when navigating unexpected interventions or hospital protocols.
What Is the Difference Between a Doula, Midwife, and OB-GYN?
In Ontario, you might have access to:
OB-GYNs, who are often specialists in high-risk pregnancies and perform surgeries like cesareans.
Midwives, who are trained to manage low-risk pregnancies and deliveries.
Doulas, who are non-clinical and work alongside your medical team to provide emotional, physical, and informational support.
Unlike midwives or OBs, doulas don’t conduct clinical tasks like fetal monitoring or cervical checks—but what they do offer is an additional layer of advocacy, continuity, and personalization that can dramatically shift how you feel about your birth experience.
Studies show that when a doula is involved, people are more likely to rate their birth experience positively, regardless of how the birth unfolds (Kozhimannil et al., 2013, Journal of Perinatal Education).
Are Doulas Worth It?
Research consistently supports the value of doula care. A 2017 Cochrane Review found that people with continuous support from a doula were:
39% less likely to have a cesarean
15% more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth
31% less likely to use synthetic oxytocin to speed up labour
And significantly more satisfied with their birth experience
This can be especially meaningful in hospital environments where staff may be balancing care for multiple patients and personalized support can be limited.
Doula Care + Therapy = A More Supported Birth
We’ve seen firsthand how pairing doula support with therapy and nutrition services can help you feel more confident, connected, and calm. We specialize in:
Therapy for pregnancy anxiety, birth trauma, and relationship stress: Emotional wellness during the perinatal period is linked to improved outcomes for both parent and baby.
Nutrition counselling with a registered dietitian: Proper nutrition supports a healthy pregnancy and smoother recovery.
Trauma-informed doula care: Whether you're birthing in a hospital or birth centre, our team provides consistent, compassionate care through every stage.
If you're curious about how doula support could fit into your birth or postpartum experience, we’d love to connect. Booking a free consultation is a chance to ask questions, explore your options, and see if our team feels like the right fit for you. You don’t have to figure this out alone—we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.