What is a doula?

A doula is a person who is trained to provide information about a healthy pregnancy, help you prepare for birth and parenting and provide support to you and your family before, during and just after birth. Wondering why you would want a doula at your birth? Check out the evidence here!


Prenatal Meetings: The doula can help you prepare for childbirth, talk with you about healthy pregnancy, practice breathing, relaxation and ways to cope during labor. You can decide how often you would like to meet to prepare for labor and get to know each other. A minimum two times is a good idea. Your doula is also available by phone and can connect you with local resources if needed.

Support During Labor and Birth: Your doula typically joins you once you are in active labor and will stay with you throughout the duration of your labor and birth,  She will provide continuous emotional support, giving you (and your partner, if present) support and encouragement. She can also make suggestions for comfort and coping during labor, breathing and relaxation techniques.

After the Birth: The doula usually stays for a short time after the birth. Your doula may also visit you at home after you are settled in with your new baby to answer any questions about things like breastfeeding, baby care, and to talk about your birth.


What Doulas Can Do

Your doula CAN offer suggestions and give you choices. The doula can help you understand typical labor as well as understand your own individual birth experience. She can help you get the information that you need to make informed decisions about the birth of your baby. 


Doulas DO NOT do medical tasks like checking blood pressure, fetal heart rate, or check your cervix for dilation/labor. They don’t speak for you when decisions need to be made. They do not talk to other organizations or agencies about you unless you give permission. They don’t make medical choices. Decisions are the responsibility of you and your partner. Doulas take no personal or professional responsibility for the outcome of the birth.

What is Your Responsibility as a Client? 

We look forward to working with you! Our doulas are passionate about supporting our clients through pregnancy and birth. Please remember, your doula is a trained professional who makes an enormous commitment to be available to you. We ask that in turn, you honor our doula’s commitment to you, and that you are respectful of her time,

  1. Once you are notified of your doula match, you are responsible for contacting your doula within seven days. Upon contacting your doula, your match will be confirmed. Please note, if you do not contact your doula within that seven-day time frame, we will assume that you do not plan to work with your her, and she will make herself available for other clients. 
  2. Please  arrive at your scheduled meetings in a timely manner, cancel if you are unable to attend, respond to communication within a reasonable time frame and inform your doula as soon as possible  if your contact information changes.
  3. Our reimbursement rates and doula compensation are contingent upon clients receiving additional education. Because of this, matching preference will be given to clients who have committed to attending at least two (prenatal yoga, childbirth education or breastfeeding) classes through Everyday Miracles, in addition to meeting with their doula.


Doula services for those on a Medicaid insurance plan are 100 percent covered by your insurance (no out-of-pocket fees).

If you have private insurance, we can work with you to find a doula to fit a wide range of budgets and needs. 

If you have any other questions about working with a doula, you can contact us at 612-353-6293 or email our Doula Coordinator. For more information on the many benefits of doula care, or to find out more about what working with a doula might include, check out Evidence-Based-Birth .