What Is a Doula and How Can They Help?
If you’re working with a pelvic floor therapist, then you already know how important it is to prepare and care for your body during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery. A doula is another important part of that support system — someone who walks alongside you, helps you feel more grounded, and reminds you that you're not alone in the process.
A doula is a trained professional who provides non-medical support during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period. Unlike your OB, midwife, or nurse, a doula’s role is focused entirely on emotional support, physical comfort, and helping you feel informed and confident in your decisions.
Doulas support all kinds of births. Whether you’re planning to give birth at home, in a hospital, or at a birth center, with or without pain medication, through induction or cesarean, a doula is there to help you feel calm, supported, and empowered. Many doulas also support partners and help them feel more prepared and confident too.
During pregnancy, a doula can help you prepare for birth, explore your options, and connect with resources that match your values.
During labor, they stay with you continuously, offering hands-on support, helping with position changes, breathing, massage, and encouragement. Doula support can also enhance partner support — giving them the resources and encouragement to participate in the birth at their comfort level and to take breaks as needed.
After birth, postpartum doulas support your recovery, help with feeding, newborn care, and the emotional adjustment that comes with becoming a parent.
Some doulas bring additional skills to the table. You might find doulas who are also childbirth educators, lactation consultants, newborn care specialists, yoga instructors, or even postpartum chefs.
Studies show that continuous support from a doula during labor is linked to shorter labors, fewer cesareans, less use of pain medication, and more positive emotional outcomes (Bohren et al., 2017. More evidence and resources available at EvidenceBasedBirth.com). Doulas don’t replace your providers or your partner — they add another layer of care that can make a powerful difference.
Local Doula Resources in Rhode Island
The doula community in Rhode Island is small, but mighty, with doulas of all backgrounds, specialties, approaches, and offerings to choose from. Below are several community-rooted organizations that can help connect you to the right doula for you.
RI Birthworker Cooperative
📧 Email: info@ribirthworkercoop.com
📞 Phone: 401-287-4082
🌐 ribirthworkercoop.com
The RI Birthworker Coop is a key starting point for those looking to work with a doula who accepts insurance. Simply browse their directory or send them an email with your estimated due date, insurance, and basic wishes for your birth; and they will send you a list of available doulas to choose from.
Doulas of Rhode Island (DoRI)
📧 Email: admin@doulasri.org
🌐 doulasri.org
DoRI is the largest and longest-standing professional doula organization in the state, currently representing around 70 independent and self-employed members. Some doulas may work with insurance, while others may not. You can browse their online directory or email the admin your estimated due date to receive a list of available doulas.
Urban Perinatal Education Center
📧 Email: info@urbanperinatal.org
📞 Phone: 401-229-9225
🌐 urbanperinatal.org
A community-centered organization offering culturally congruent doula referrals, childbirth education, support groups, mental health counseling, and more. Fill out their doula referral form to get matched with a doula who suits your needs.
Doulas Conectadas
📧 Email: doulasconectadas@gmail.com
📞 Phone: 401-302-8699
🌐 doulasconectadas.com
A collective of doulas supporting Latinx and Spanish-speaking families in Rhode Island. Fill out their referral form or reach out via email to get matched with available doulas.
Written by:
Emily Frank, Certified Perinatal Doula (CPD)
emilyfrank.co
References
Bohren, M. A., Hofmeyr, G. J., Sakala, C., Fukuzawa, R. K., & Cuthbert, A. (2017). Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 7. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub6
Gruber, K. J., Cupito, S. H., & Dobson, C. F. (2013). Impact of Doulas on Healthy Birth Outcomes. The Journal of Perinatal Education, 22(1), 49–58. https://doi.org/10.1891/1058-1243.22.1.49
