The Power of Presence: Why Every Birth Deserves a Doula
For thousands of years, women have supported other women through childbirth. They’d wake in the middle of the night to help a neighbor in labor, acting with instinct, tradition, and community. In some cultures, the only time a man was present at birth was at his own. While the tradition of women gathering around a laboring mother has faded in modern times, the need for strong, informed, compassionate support hasn’t.
A doula is a trained birth companion who provides physical, emotional, and informational support throughout labor—while also advocating for the mother’s birth preferences. At Cultivate Chiropractic, we believe in empowering the body to do what it’s designed to do. A doula brings that same belief into the birthing space—offering calm presence, comfort techniques, and the confidence to navigate labor with clarity and strength.
So what does a doula actually do?
Physical support might look like setting a calming atmosphere, applying cool cloths, offering massage or counterpressure, helping with movement and position changes.
Emotional support includes encouraging words, grounding mantras, affirmations, and sometimes just a steady, reassuring presence during intense moments.
Informational support means answering the questions that come up—“Is this normal?” or “What happens next?”—and helping translate medical information into clear, calm choices.
Advocacy ensures that the mother’s voice is heard—even when labor makes it hard to speak up. While partners can advocate too, they’re often just as emotionally invested and overwhelmed. A doula bridges the gap—grounded, prepared, and attuned to what matters most to you.
You might wonder: “But won’t my partner and nurse cover all of this?”
Sometimes—but not always.
Nurses are wonderful, but they often juggle multiple patients and shift changes. The nurse you love during early labor might not be the one by your side at delivery.
Partners are essential—but they’re also human. They’ll need to eat, rest, and regroup, and they may not have the training to offer effective support through every twist and turn.
Most partners haven’t witnessed dozens (or hundreds) of births, and may not know the techniques that help the most. Doulas do. It’s their calling.
The impact of a doula isn’t just emotional—it’s measurable.
According to a 2017 Cochrane Review, women who had continuous support from a doula were:
More likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth
Less likely to need a cesarean or instrument-assisted delivery
Less likely to use epidurals or other pain medications
More likely to report positive birth experiences
And—there were no reported negative effects
In fact, many hospitals now recognize the value doulas bring and are beginning to integrate them into labor and delivery teams.
What about the cost?
Having a baby is expensive and it might seem like a lot to add another person to pay, but hiring a doula is an investment in the birth you want. If hiring a doula feels financially unfeasible, consider adding a “doula fund” to your baby registry. You can reach out to you local moms group to find doulas-in-training who are looking to attend births at no charge to complete their certification— you may not get someone with 15 years of experience, but you will get someone committed, present, and passionate.
Curious About Finding a Doula?
At Cultivate, we believe in surrounding yourself with care that honors your body and your birth journey. If you're considering working with a doula, we encourage you to explore your options and find someone who aligns with your values and needs.
💜 Explore the DONA International Doula Directory to find trained, certified doulas near you:
👉 Find a Doula Near You
Still have questions or want local recommendations?
📬 Contact us here—we’re happy to help guide you.
References:
https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/
Bohren MA, Hofmeyr GJ, Sakala C, Fukuzawa RK, Cuthbert A. Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Jul 6;7(7):CD003766. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub6. PMID: 28681500; PMCID: PMC6483123.