BirthWell Partners is committed to growing the doula workforce in Alabama. We host multiple, DONA-Approved Birth Doula Trainings each year. ​​​​

A birth doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to individuals and families before, during, and shortly after childbirth. While doulas do not provide medical care, they work alongside healthcare providers to ensure the birthing person feels empowered and supported throughout their journey.

A community doula is a doula who focuses on providing services to underserved populations, often working with low-resource families or those facing systemic barriers to healthcare. They provide culturally sensitive, personalized care and are often deeply connected to the communities they serve. Community doulas not only support families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum but also help connect them with essential resources to ensure they feel seen, heard, and supported throughout their journey.

Here is an overview of what doulas can do throughout each step of the process: Prenatal Support: Educate families about birth options and the childbirth process Assist in creating a personalized birth plan tailored to the birthing person’s preferences Provide emotional reassurance and guidance to help reduce anxiety and build confidence Labor and Delivery: Offer continuous physical and emotional support Provide comfort measures, such as breathing techniques, positioning, and massage Support partners and family members on how to best assist and comfort the birthing person Act as an advocate, ensuring the birthing person’s preferences and needs are communicated effectively to the medical team Postpartum Care: Support the birthing person’s physical recovery as well as their emotional and mental health Assist with breastfeeding or feeding, ensuring proper latch and positioning, or connecting families to lactation resources Help families adjust to life with a newborn, offering guidance on infant care and postpartum self-care

Doulas do not perform medical tasks, such as delivering babies, administering medication, or providing diagnoses. They cannot make decisions for families or prescribe treatments but instead offer information to help families make informed choices. Their role complements medical professionals by providing emotional, physical, and informational support.

Doulas provide numerous benefits to both the birthgiver and baby. Research shows that doula support can lower the incidence of medical interventions, such as C-sections, epidurals, and labor-inducing medications, while also reducing the risk of preterm births and low birth weight. Doulas are associated with shorter labor times, fewer complications, and improved breastfeeding success rates. If you want to see BWP statistics over the years, head here. Additionally, doulas enhance satisfaction with the birth experience by offering continuous emotional, physical, and informational support. They help reduce anxiety, foster better communication with healthcare providers, and empower families to make informed decisions. For partners, doulas provide guidance and reassurance, helping them feel more confident and involved during labor and delivery.

No, Medicaid does not currently cover doula services in Alabama. However, we use Medicaid eligibility as a indicator of a person’s need, so you don’t have to provide extra income information. Our doula services are completely funded by grants and donations, allowing us to offer them at no cost to families who qualify.

A doula can be incredibly beneficial even if you’re planning a C-section. Doulas provide emotional and informational support before, during, and after surgery. They can help you prepare by explaining what to expect, assisting in creating a birth plan tailored to your needs, and offering comfort measures to ease anxiety. During surgery, they may offer reassurance (depending on hospital policies) and, afterward, help with recovery, breastfeeding, and adjusting to life with your baby. A doula’s role is to support you, regardless of how you give birth, and can make your C-section experience more positive and empowering.

It’s a good idea to start looking for a doula early in your pregnancy, ideally in the first or second trimester. This allows plenty of time to find the right match and begin building a supportive relationship. However, it’s never too late—doulas can still provide valuable support even if hired later in pregnancy or just before labor. Please note that signing up closer to your due date may limit our ability to match you, depending on doula availability.

While your partner plays an important role in supporting you during labor, a doula brings specialized training and experience. They also help your partner by guiding them on how to best support you, easing their stress and allowing them to focus on being present with you. With a doula, you get additional support, advocacy, and comfort measures, which can enhance the experience for both you and your partner.

If you don’t qualify for services through BirthWell Partners, there are many doulas in Alabama who offer services at a variety of rates. You can visit https://doulamatch.net/ to find doulas available in your area.