What to Expect When You Are Hiring a Doula: A Week-By-Week Look Inside Birth Support

Photo: Memory Lane Photography

You’ve peed on the stick, it’s positive (!!!), and now your Google search history includes things like “Is that round ligament pain or am I broken?” and “What does a doula actually do?” First of all—congrats. Second of all—you’re in the right place.

Hiring a birth doula is one of the most empowering decisions you can make during your pregnancy. We’re not just extra hands in the room—we’re your guide, your steady presence, and your advocate for the birth experience you envision. Think of it as having a birth bestie with evidence-based training and a heart full of compassion.

So, what does it actually look like week by week when you bring a doula onto your support team? Here’s a peek behind the curtain:

Week 1: The Meet & Greet

Once we connect and we will set up a consultation where we get to know each other better. We will take a deep dive into your vision for your birth and cover logistics like birthing location, estimated due date, and any pregnancy related information. Then, I will share a little about me and my approach to doula support. I want you to have a clear vision where working with me as your doula offers and, more importantly, what that means for your birth. Then, its your time to ask any questions and take some time to reflect. When you are ready to proceed, we will schedule out our first prenatal visit.

Weeks 2–36: Building the Foundation

During your pregnancy, I offer two prenatal visits. The first, I schedule anywhere from 20-34 weeks generally. The second I aim to schedule between 35-38 week ideally. These are customized to you although I make sure we cover the critical aspects of preparing for your birth.

We will create both birth and postpartum plans, practice comfort techniques, talk through different movements and positions for each stage of labor, learn about different interventions, pain management, and comfort measures available to you. Plus, we will talk birth environment from who is the birth room, to where you give birth, and how we can make that space feel sacred and safe--no matter where you birth. We’ll get super clear on what’s important to you—so when birth day comes, your voice is front and center.

The Evidence on Hiring A Doula

Evidence shows that having a doula present during birth can:

• Shorten labor

• Lower the likelihood of interventions (like cesareans up to 30% or Pitocin)

• Increase satisfaction with the birth experience

• Boost confidence and reduce anxiety

• Allow for earlier Lactogenesis and longer periods of breastfeeding

• And much more!

And it’s not just birthing people who benefit—partners often feel more included, less overwhelmed, and supported, too.

37 Weeks and Beyond: On-Call and All In

Once you hit 37 weeks, I’m officially on-call for you 24/7. That means if your water breaks at 3 AM, I’m ready. Need to vent about a confusing OB appointment? I’ve got you. Wondering if that’s a contraction or just a really aggressive burrito? I can help you figure that out, too.

Birth Day: Your Doula in Action

When labor kicks in and you’re ready for support, I’ll join you—at home or in your birth space—and stay by your side throughout. I’m there to hold the space, offer hands-on comfort, help you advocate for yourself, and gently guide you back to your power when things feel intense.

Continuous labor support means I don’t swap shifts. I’m there for the whole ride.

After Baby: You’re Not Alone

Support doesn’t stop once baby arrives. I offer two postpartum visits to check in emotionally, answer questions, and process the birth experience. And honestly? Sometimes just having someone to say, “Yes, that’s normal,” can be a game-changer.

Photo Credit: @thenaturaldoula

A Doula Is Not…

Let’s clear this up: a doula is not a medical provider. I don’t replace your OB or midwife. I complement them by supporting you. This is your story—I’m just helping you write it with intention, clarity, and care. I do, however, act as a advocate in the birth space to facilitate better communication between you and your provider ensuring you are in charge!

Your Birth. Your Power. Your Support.

When you consider hiring a doula, you’re choosing to feel seen, heard, and fully supported in one of the most transformative experiences of your life. You don’t have to go it alone—and you don’t have to settle for a birth that just “happens to you.”

Hiring A Doula? Let's Chat!

If you’re curious about what this could look like in your own journey, I’d love to talk. Whether you're ready to dive in or still feeling out your options, reach out. Let’s dream up a birth experience that actually feels good to you.

Your body. Your baby. Your birth. I’m just here to help you feel strong in all of it.

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