What is a Birth Doula and do I need one ?
If you’re expecting a baby, chances are you’ve been bombarded with advice, opinions, and an overwhelming amount of information about childbirth. Hospital birth? Home birth? Midwife-led care? Consultant-led? Pain relief or no pain relief? With so many choices (and so much pressure to ‘get it right’), it’s easy to feel lost.
But here’s something you might not have considered yet: a doula.
You may have heard the term before but brushed it off, assuming doulas were only for home births or a certain ‘type’ of parent. In reality, doulas support all kinds of births—whether in a hospital, at home, or in a birth centre. More importantly, their role isn’t about pushing a particular birth plan—it’s about helping you feel informed, supported, and in control of your own experience.
What Exactly Is a Doula?
A doula is a trained birth companion who offers emotional, physical, and informational support throughout pregnancy, birth, and the early postpartum period. Unlike doctors or midwives, doulas don’t provide medical care, but they do provide something just as important—continuous, personalised support for you.
Think of them as a reassuring presence in a system that can sometimes feel clinical and impersonal. Whether it’s helping you understand your options, guiding you through contractions with soothing techniques, or simply holding your hand and reminding you that you can do this, a doula is there for you, in your corner, every step of the way.
Why Consider a Doula?
Many expectant parents feel nervous about childbirth—not just because of the physical aspects but also because of the uncertainty surrounding hospital policies, decision-making, and how they will be treated in the maternity system. This is where a doula can make a world of difference.
1. They Help You Navigate the System
It’s no secret that maternity care can sometimes feel rushed, leaving parents with unanswered questions or a sense that they’re just another number on a hospital list. A doula helps you make sense of it all, ensuring you understand your rights, choices, and what to expect at every stage.
2. They Offer Unwavering Emotional and Physical Support
Midwives and doctors do an amazing job, but they often have multiple patients to attend to. A doula, on the other hand, is there just for you. They offer comfort measures such as massage, breathing techniques, and reassurance—whatever you need to feel more at ease.
3. They Improve Birth Outcomes
Research has shown that having a doula can lead to:
Shorter labours
Reduced likelihood of medical interventions, including C-sections
Lower need for pain relief medication
Greater satisfaction with the birth experience
This isn’t about having a ‘better’ birth by any specific definition—it’s about feeling more positive, supported, and in control of your experience, whatever that looks like for you.
4. They Help Your Birth Partner, Too
A common misconception is that doulas replace birth partners, but in reality, they enhance their role. Many partners feel unsure about how best to support their loved one in labour. A doula offers gentle guidance so partners can be as involved as they want to be, without the pressure of ‘knowing everything.’
Finding the Right Doula for You
If this all sounds appealing, the next step is finding the right doula. Many doulas offer free initial consultations, allowing you to discuss your needs, ask questions, and determine if they're the right fit for your birth journey. Here are some things to consider:
Personality Fit: You’ll be sharing an intimate experience with your doula, so it’s important to find someone you feel comfortable with.
Experience & Training: While certification isn’t mandatory, many doulas undergo professional training and have extensive experience.
Approach & Philosophy: Some doulas specialise in hypnobirthing, others in trauma-informed care—finding someone who aligns with your needs is key.
Location & Availability: In Glasgow and across Scotland, there are fantastic doulas offering personalised support.
Scottish Doula Network: Established in 2001, this collective offers a range of services, including birth preparation, baby massage, and breastfeeding support. Their doulas are committed to compassionate, individualized care. Scottish Doula Network
Amma Birth Companions: This Glasgow-based charity provides support to women and birthing people from migrant backgrounds and underserved communities, offering birth and postnatal companionship, peer support, and education. Amma Birth Companions
Independent doulas : There are also a fair number of independent doulas who practice sovereign approach and may not be affiliated with specific networks or training schools. Depending on the type of support you are after it might be worth asking on Positive Birth groups for recommendations or looking at directories like :
Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling uncertain about birth, you’re not alone. But remember—this is your birth, and you deserve to feel supported, respected, and confident in your choices. A doula can’t make all the decisions for you, but they can empower you with the knowledge, reassurance, and presence to navigate this experience with confidence.
In Glasgow, a variety of doula services are available to cater to diverse needs and preferences, ensuring you have the care and companionship that aligns with your vision for childbirth.
So, what do you think? Could a doula be the right choice for your birth journey?