“I Didn’t Know Doulas Did That”: 5 Surprising Things Clients Learn During Birth and Postpartum

You know that moment when you hire someone for one thing, and then they blow your mind doing ten other things you didn’t even know you needed?

That’s what it’s like working with a doula.

A lot of our clients at Haven Place Doulas come in thinking we’ll just rub their backs during labor and say, “You got this!” But somewhere between the first birth plan meeting and the 2 a.m. text about postpartum bleeding, they stop and say it:

“I didn’t know doulas did that.”

And we hear it all the time.

1. We Help You Speak Up in the Hospital

Birth can get overwhelming fast. It’s loud. Things move quickly. And sometimes, you don’t even get time to process what’s happening before someone asks, “Do you want Pitocin?”

Your doula helps you pause, breathe, and understand what’s being asked. We don’t speak for you, we help you find your voice.

We’ve been in the room when a mom whispered, “Can I say no?”

Yes. You can. And we’ll remind you of that as many times as it takes.

2. We Help You Process the Birth Story

Sometimes birth feels like a blur. Or a rollercoaster. Or nothing like the plan.

Talking it through with someone who witnessed it, who understands birth and emotions without judgment, is healing. And necessary. 

We’ve had clients say, “I didn’t even realize I needed to talk about it until I started crying about it two weeks later.”

3. We Help with Things You’re Too Tired to Google

Swollen stitches? Baby won’t latch? Not sure how to clean your peri bottle? We’ve been there. We’ve supported other parents through it.

And when we don’t know the answer, we refer you to someone who does, like a lactation consultant or pelvic floor therapist.

We’re your filter and your steady hand when you feel overwhelmed. Because no one needs 17 tabs open at 2 a.m.

4. We Support Your Partner Too

Your partner’s job isn’t to be your doula. (Even though he can be! Some dads are “daddy doulas”) It’s to love you and show up the best they can, just like you.

We guide partners in how to help during labor, how to change diapers with confidence, how to hold space when emotions are high.

We’re not here to replace your people. We’re here to help them shine.

5. We Come Back and Keep Coming Back

One of the biggest shocks for our clients is that doulas don’t vanish once the baby is home.

We offer postpartum doula support that continues for weeks (or even months) after delivery.

Whether you’re healing from a vaginal tear, dealing with baby blues, or just need a shower and a sandwich, we show up. We fold laundry. We hold your baby so you can nap. We remind you that you’re doing great.

Real talk? Most people don’t know what birth and postpartum doulas really do, until they feel the difference.

If you’re pregnant or newly postpartum and want to feel supported every step of the way, Haven Place Doulas is here for you. We offer compassionate, in-home birth and postpartum doula care throughout Boston and the greater Massachusetts area.

Let’s make sure you never have to say, “I didn’t know doulas did that” again.

Let HPD Support Your Birth & Beyond