From Discovery Call to Delivery Room: What It’s Really Like to Work With a Birth Doula

“So… what exactly do doulas do?”

If I had a dollar for every time I heard that question, I could probably fund every mom’s postpartum meal train for a month.

Maybe you’ve been curious yourself. You’ve seen birth doulas on Instagram, maybe heard about them through a friend, or that one nurse who swore by having one. But you’re still wondering what it actually looks like to work with a doula, what the process feels like, and whether it’s something you need.

Let’s walk through it.

It Starts With a Gut Feeling (AKA The Discovery Call)

Most people don’t decide to hire a doula on a whim. There’s usually a moment, a panicked Google search at 2 am, a disappointing OB visit, or a birth story that made you say, “I don’t want to feel that lost or scared.”

So you book a discovery call.

This isn’t a high-pressure sales pitch. It’s a conversation. We talk about what you want from your birth, your fears, your hopes, and what kind of support you need. We get honest. You ask:

“Will you be there the whole time?” (Yes, whether virtually or in person, we stay with you.) 

“Will you tell me what to do?” (Nope. I’ll help you find your way.) 

“What if I cry?” (That’s allowed. So is laughing.)

Whether you hire me or not, I want you to leave that call feeling seen.

We Don’t Just Show Up on Birth Day

Here’s what many don’t realize: doulas don’t just pop in when you’re 10cm dilated and sweating through contractions.

Depending on the package you choose, we meet for one or three prenatal visits before birth. That’s where we dive deeper:

• What helps you feel calm?

• What kind of birth environment do you want?

• What’s your birth plan, and what’s your “just in case” plan?

We talk comfort techniques, communication tools, and navigating hospital systems. (Yes, I’ll even help you practice how to say “I need a moment to decide.”) We also go over the basics of birth anatomy and physiology, explain your birth preferences and contract details, and talk through your baby feeding plan and postpartum recovery.

We’re not here to take over. We’re here to equip you and your support system, whether that’s your partner, your mom, your best friend, or all of the above.

When Labor Starts, You’re Not Alone

I don’t just show up when you say, “It’s go time.” I show up how you need.

Some clients want phone check-ins in early labor. Others want me to come over as soon as contractions get serious. Every birth is different, but my presence is constant. When I walk into your birth space, I’m not there to lead the show. I’m there to:

• Anchor the energy in the room

• Offer hands-on comfort measures (counterpressure, massage, breathing cues)

• Help your partner feel confident and involved

• Suggest positions when you’re tired and unsure

• Breathe with you when things feel intense

• Remind you that your voice matters, even when the room is busy

And when baby arrives? I stay with you to make sure you're settling in, breathing again, maybe eating that first snack. The first hour after birth is sacred, and I'm still right there.

It’s Not Just What I Do, It’s How I Make You Feel

Hiring a doula isn’t just about hip squeezes and birth balls. It’s about feeling safe to fall apart and put yourself back together again. It’s about having someone who remembers your baby's name, your favorite music, and the exact words that bring you peace when things feel overwhelming.

Studies show that having a doula lowers the chances of cesarean birth and increases satisfaction with the birth experience (Cochrane Review, 2017). But beyond the stats, it’s about being held, not just physically, but emotionally.

So What’s It Really Like?

It’s like having someone in your corner who isn’t there to judge, instruct, or fix, but to witness and support.

It’s like bringing a calm tide into the middle of a storm. It’s having someone who believes in your ability to do this, even when you’re not so sure yet.

Thinking About Hiring a Birth Doula in Boston or the Greater Massachusetts Area?

At Haven Place Doulas, we’re here for the full journey, from that first “What does a doula do?” moment to your first postpartum nap. Whether you're in Boston, Cambridge, Worcester, or nearby towns in Massachusetts, we’re ready to walk with you, step by step, breath by breath.

No pressure, no perfect birth expectations, just real, grounded, heart-centered care.

Want to talk? We’d love to hear your story.

Book Your Free Discovery Call Today