The word "doula" is an ancient Greek term meaning "she who serves." Nowadays, it's commonly used to describe a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical and emotional support during pregnancy and the postpartum period for mothers-to-be before they give birth and potentially even after their babies are born.

Historically women have supported other women through labor. In the US, that job has transferred to hospital nurses. And while we love our nurses, families meet them the day of labor, and shift changes mean they come and go.  But a doula is a professional birth companion who supports the mother before, during, and after labor. They are specially trained to help reduce the stress and anxiety a mother feels and can also support partners.  Doulas do not replace partners, but rather help support you both through the birth process.

Postpartum Doulas can be an excellent resource for mothers in the early weeks after giving birth, helping to ease the transition to parenthood. They can support breastfeeding, proper naps and nutrition, and help with newborn care education, as well.

Doulas have the opportunity to support clients with continuity of care because, unlike the nursing staff in a hospital, we don’t have “shifts.” Instead, we are there until you give birth, plus 1 to 2 hours postpartum. (Some doulas work in teams if labor needs a rested doula to tend to a laboring woman’s needs.)

Having a doula present at birth can significantly reduce the fatigue you experience during labor. Doulas are specially trained to support mothers before, during, and after labor, which can help reduce the stress and anxiety a mother feels. Doulas can also support partners, helping them feel more confident in their roles. Additionally, postpartum doulas can provide invaluable support to mothers in the early weeks after giving birth, helping to ease the transition to parenthood.

A midwife is a medical professional who specializes in pregnancies and births, while a doula provides emotional and physical support to a woman during labor.Some women find that having both a midwife and a doula gives them the best possible care and support during childbirth. While midwives focus on the medical aspects of pregnancy and childbirth, focusing on keeping things progressing normally, doulas provide support to the mother and her partner to help ease anxiety, provide information and emotional support, offer massages and other forms of physical comfort. While midwives also provide some comfort measures and encouragement,  you do not want a midwife who is physically and mentally exhausted when the medical moments arrive. And being a doula is indeed, physical work. Midwives and doulas work well together, and each have distinctively different roles.

A Birth Doula in San Diego County usually costs between $800 for a newer doula, up to $1,200 to $2,000.00 or more for highly seasoned doulas. The price may vary depending on the services offered. For example, some doulas may charge more for extra prenatal visits, while others may charge for separate lactation support.

Postpartum Doulas provide in home support at an hourly rate. In San Diego County, the range is between $35-50/hr, depending on what the needs are, and if it is daytime or nighttime support.