What Doulas Do (and Don’t Do): Understanding the Role of a Birth Doula

Supportive Birth Services in Manchester, NH

If you’ve heard of doulas but aren’t exactly sure what we do—you’re not alone. One of the most common questions I get as a birth doula in Manchester, NH is:
“What’s the difference between a doula and a midwife?”
Followed closely by:
“What exactly does a doula do during birth?”

So let’s clear it up! Understanding the scope of practice for doulas helps you make informed choices about your birth team and what kind of support you want.

💜 What Doulas Do

A doula is a trained, non-medical professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Think of a doula as your advocate, birth coach, and calm presence—someone who’s solely focused on your experience.

Here’s what I do as a doula:

✅ Provide Emotional Support

I’m here to help you feel calm, confident, and heard throughout your pregnancy and labor. Whether you’re birthing at home, in a hospital, or a birth center, I support your birth preferences without judgment.

✅ Offer Physical Comfort Measures

I use hands-on techniques like counter pressure, massage, position changes, breathing cues, and more to help manage labor sensations naturally. I also guide your partner so they feel involved and confident in supporting you.

✅ Share Evidence-Based Information

Have questions about induction, epidurals, delayed cord clamping, or newborn procedures? I provide balanced, research-based information so you can make informed decisions with your care provider.

✅ Advocate for You

I help you ask the right questions, communicate your birth preferences clearly, and navigate decision-making during labor. I don’t speak for you, but I do make sure you’re heard.

✅ Support Your Partner Too

Partners aren’t left out! I support your entire birth team, helping your loved ones feel calm and capable so they can support you more effectively.

🚫 What Doulas Don’t Do

It’s equally important to know what falls outside of a doula’s scope. While we’re an essential part of your birth team, doulas are not medical providers.

Here’s what I don’t do as a doula:

❌ Perform Medical Tasks

I don’t check dilation, monitor fetal heart tones, administer medications, or diagnose any conditions. That’s the role of your OB, midwife, or nurse.

❌ Make Decisions For You

My goal is to help you make empowered decisions. I’ll offer education and support, but I never tell you what to do.

❌ Replace Your Partner or Midwife

Doulas work with your team—not instead of them. I complement your care by filling in the gaps and helping everyone feel more supported and connected.

❌ Guarantee Specific Outcomes

Birth is unpredictable. While I can’t promise a pain-free or intervention-free experience, I can promise you won’t face it alone—and that matters.

Why Hire a Doula?

Studies show that having a doula can:

Shorten labor
Reduce the risk of cesarean birth
Lower requests for pain medication
Increase satisfaction with the birth experience
Improve outcomes for both birthing person and baby

Whether you’re planning a natural birth or want help navigating your options in a hospital setting, doula support gives you the tools, confidence, and care to feel more in control.

Ready for Support?

If you’re looking for a birth doula in Manchester, NH, I’d be honored to walk with you through pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

📍 Serving Manchester, Bedford, Nashua, Concord, and surrounding NH communities
💻 Visit www.fromtheheartdoula.net
📧 Email me: tiamiddleton.doula@gmail.com