For families seeking a doula, our collaborative makes it easy to find the right match—whether you’re looking for specific experience, shared values, or simply the right energy to support your journey. We believe every family deserves a doula who truly aligns with their needs, and our directory is designed to make that search simple and intentional.
How to Choose a Doula
Finding a doula to support you during your pregnancy and birth experience is an important decision. When looking for a doula, it’s important to carefully consider any specific needs you may have. It’s also very important for you to think deeply about why you want to engage a doula and your expectations of them. The Delco Doula Collaborative directory includes the following types of doulas:
Labor/Birth Doula
Before childbirth, a birth/labor doula will typically:
- Meet with you during your second or third trimester to get acquainted and build a trusting relationship
- Teach you relaxation techniques
- Offer education and answer your questions about childbirth, and the post birth period
- Help you understand labor and delivery procedures and possible complications
- Work with you to develop a birth and postpartum plan
During labor the doula will:
- Stay with you until your baby’s first feeding to provide comfort and support
- Use massage, touch, hydrotherapy, and other birthing tools to help you relax and rest
- Help you get into comfortable positions
- Help you get adequate nutrition and fluids
- Help communicate your preferences to the medical staff at your hospital or birthing center
- Work collaboratively with your medical team
- Support, involve, and reassure the partner-to-be
Postpartum Doula
After delivery, a postpartum doula can:
- Provide support and encouragement to both you, your partner, and other family members after the birth of your baby or the completion of a pregnancy
- Teach the family how to care for themselves and the new baby
- Assist with baby feeding and education
- Support your partner and you in the transition to parenthood
- Make sure you get plenty of rest, eat regularly, stay hydrated, and are comfortable
- Ensure you have pregnancy and new parent resources at your fingertips
- Help you to organize your new responsibilities
Bereavement Doula
A bereavement doula, also known as a “loss doula”, is a trained professional who supports families who have experienced the loss of a baby. This can include loss due to miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion, or a diagnosis that the baby will not survive long after birth. Bereavement doulas can also support families during pregnancy loss, in situations like fertility struggles, chemical pregnancies, or ectopic pregnancies.
Bereavement doulas can:
- Provide support before, during, and after the loss
- Help families plan funerals and memorial services and guide them to mental health professionals
- Help families honor their feelings without fear of blame or abandonment
- Assist with questions to ask your provider