What is a Doula and Why Do You Need One?
by Elisabeth van der Wilt

What is a doula? dou∙la /'dōōlə/—comes from the ancient Greek term meaning a woman who serves. But now if you look up the meaning, it defines a trained woman who provides support during different times in a reproductive journey.

A doula is never there to judge or provide bias to the choices you make. Rather, we serve as a loving companion, encouraging, empowering, and supporting you during some of the most life-changing events. Whether you’re dealing with issues related to infertility, the difficulty of childbirth, adjusting to life after giving birth, or the menopause season, a doula can help you feel informed, confident, and cared for.

Often doulas are compared to a midwife, which couldn’t be further from the truth. This is why it’s best to share that a doula is a blend of roles: a coach, cheerleader, educator, ally, guide, comforter, and team builder all wrapped into one nice and neat package. 

In the early days of doula work, it was known for its work in the reproductive stages like childbirth education, birth, and postpartum. Over the years, their work has expanded and they are even supporting men, as well as supporting people through death, and even through surgeries.

The question that is most commonly asked is, “Why would I need a doula?

If you’re looking at this service during the birth time, it’s commonly said, I’ve got a partner.

For postpartum—My family said they would help.

For menopause—Why should I involve someone?

For fertility—three’s a crowd (not really, no one ever said that to me, but I think oftentimes no one knows this type of support exists). 

Each of the moments I’ve mentioned represent a major transition. When going through times like that in our life we’re struggling with a lot of emotional strife and internal suffering, which later can take a bigger toll on the physical body. This can also cause conflicts on personal relationships in your life.

Having someone to support you with your emotional feelings can take the pressure off and make it feel less overwhelming. Unlike a therapist, it can feel warmer and more supportive, like a friend.

Another reason to hire a doula would be for advocacy. Most of the transitions mentioned often have a doctor or another type of health care provider supporting you also. Where doulas don’t take the place of important health care providers, they do offer advocacy, and help act as a bridge between patient and a health care provider.

This largely depends on the doula you choose. Some, like myself, specialize in holistic support—providing evidence-based information while maintaining an open mind and introducing alternative methods that might suit your needs. Doulas do not “prescribe” or dictate health decisions; instead, they empower you with the knowledge and resources to make informed choices. Ultimately, every decision is guided by your research and what feels right for you.

Another reason is the practical guidance; oftentimes this is educational. We aren’t taught from a young age on all the different bits and pieces surrounding pregnancy, or even just about being a woman. Although I’ve been training and learning for more than five years about women’s health, in the grand scheme of things I am always learning new things. 

Is doula support virtual, or an in-person service?

I answer this question a lot and it really depends on the service. Most can be done virtually, but some really require an in-person touch, like postpartum and birth support, as well as Yoni Steaming. 

Doulas are loving, supportive, and knowledgeable. They want you to feel that every decision you make is completely respected, and comes from a place of self advocacy.

That’s why doulas started to come into existence, why their role became more and more important, especially since family bonds have dwindled and people oftentimes have a lack of support.

How many times do we hear that someone just had a baby, so we rush over and hold the baby? While baby mom uses that time to pick up, or do dishes, etc. Your time with a doula means she comes and holds you, ensures that you’re taken care of and get what you need, so that when family comes, you can spend time together and enjoy it, because you feel rested, knowing you have a warm meal, the house isn’t in shambles, and you were able to shower that day. 

And that is just one example that comes to mind when talking about this work.

Elisabeth van der Wilt is a certified holistic women’s coach and doula based in Englefeld, SK. She specializes in supporting women over 30 during their reproductive years. Fruitful Womb Doula Services is a one-stop shop for supportive help through pregnancy, fertility, loss, breastfeeding, postpartum, and menopause. With a focus on holistic herbs and nourishing food. She is also a Yoni Steaming Facilitator and is excited to be sharing her knowledge and skills with everyone. When she isn’t working as a doula and coach, she is a preschool teacher and lives on a farm with her family. You can contact her at fruitfulwomb.ca and (289) 407-5090.