Medically reviewed by Dr. Janet Choi | Written by Progyny Editorial staff
You may be considering a doula for your pregnancy, birth, or recovery but may not be sure where to begin. There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding doulas and you may feel intimidated by the prospect of trying to find someone to help.
Clinical studies have shown the impact doulas have had:
- Lessened the odds of cesarean delivery by 52.9%
- Cut the odds of postpartum depression and anxiety by 57.5%
- Decreased the likelihood of using pain medication by 10%
Doulas can improve the overall birth experience. Read on as we clarify the role of doulas, dispel common myths, and share how Progyny can support you.
What Is a Doula?
A doula is a trained professional who provides non-medical support to pregnant individuals and their family before, during, and after birth. While doulas are not medical staff (e.g. OB/GYNs, midwives, and nurses), they have an in-depth understanding of the birthing process and collaborate with the medical team to provide safe and holistic support. There are a variety of trained doulas for other life experiences too, such as doulas to support midlife and menopause.
Top 5 Doula Myths
There are quite a few myths about doulas. It’s time to bust some of the top ones:
1. “Doulas are only for home births.”
Doulas can support you wherever you choose to give birth—at home, in a hospital, or at a birth center. They can support parents during cesareans, epidurals, non-medicated births, pain medications, inductions, and everything in between.
2. “Aren’t doulas just for hippies and tree huggers?”
Doulas are for everyone, regardless of lifestyle or background. While they became popular in the 1970s, doulas have evolved into modern partners in the birthing journey.
3. “They’re only for rich people.”
Doula fees vary based on their location, experience, and the type of services they provide. On average, a birth doula costs between $500 and $2,500. Postpartum doulas often charge around $25-$50/hour.
Some insurance plans and Medicaid programs now cover doula services. There are also community-based programs and non-profits that provide services at low or no cost to those who need them. Some employers may provide reimbursement for doula services, so check with your HR team too.
You can contact your Pregnancy & Postpartum Coach (PPC) to see if you have doula benefits with Progyny.
4. “I’ve heard that doulas don’t get along with medical staff.”
Certified doulas are trained to collaborate with healthcare providers, ensuring a smooth and supportive birth experience for everyone involved.
Doulas:
- Provide emotional and physical support to patients during labor.
- Reduce stress on the medical team, freeing them to focus on clinical tasks.
- Improve patient-staff communication.
5. “My partner thinks a doula will replace them.”
Doulas work alongside your partner, enhancing their support, and helping them feel more confident and involved. A doula brings specialized knowledge and experience that can complement your partner’s support. It’s a team effort!
How Progyny Can Help
Adding a doula to your birth plan can significantly enhance your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience. Please contact your PPC for more information about doulas in your area and what questions to consider if you want to add a doula to your birth plan.