A doula is a person who supports another person through any major life change. At The Nourishing Doula the focus is on pregnancy, birth, and new parenthood.

Doulas provide informational, emotional, and physical support throughout their ascribed period. 

The role of a doula is an ancient one, but this role was not always referred to with a designated title or profession.

People have been supporting others through pregnancy and childbirth for all of human history. Back when humans lived in small villages with strong communities, birthing people would receive support from their peers in the community in the form of practical advice and nourishment. During labor a birthing person would have a close friend or their mother with them to keep them grounded and provide support during the process.

All cultures held traditions around the physical healing and emotional transition of new parenthood, and it was seen as the community’s responsibility to support a birthing person to ensure the well-being of the parent and their baby.  

Although many of the responsibilities of a doula have remained the same, modern doulas must come to the job from a slightly different approach. Doulas in modern times are not only support people. We are educators, researchers, resource providers, space holders, and more. Modern doulas provide a connection to that ancient way of birthing, while respecting and working with the less ancient realities of birth in the current medical system. 

Doulas are not medical professionals, and therefore do not provide medical care or opinion. The Nourishing Doula is happy to provide resources to evidence-based information and services, but can not make medical decisions for you.