"Doula" (pronounced "doola") is a Greek word meaning "woman who serves or caregiver". It now refers to an experienced woman who offers emotional and practical support to a woman (or couple) before, during and after childbirth. A doula believes in “mothering the mother” - enabling a woman to have the most satisfying and empowered time that she can during pregnancy, birth and the early days as a new mum. This type of support also helps the whole family to relax and enjoy the experience.

Birth doulas are trained and experienced in childbirth, although they may or may not have given birth themselves. They have a good knowledge and awareness of female physiology BUT the doula is not supporting the mother in a clinical role - that is the job of the midwife/medical staff. Before childbirth the doula will usually meet with the mother (or couple) at least once face to face and then perhaps be available by phone or for additional meetings if necessary. During Labor the doula is able to offer help and suggestions on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement and positioning. The doula can also encourage the father to participate in the birth to a level at which he feels comfortable. The doula's most important role is to provide nurturing, continuous support and reassurance.


Postpartum doulas work flexible hours to suit the family, offering practical and emotional support to the new mother and father in the home following the birth of baby. In the West today, too often mothers are rushed back into normal day-to-day activities; in many cultures women are confined to bed and rest for a period of up to 40 days. This may be impossible in our society but with the help of a postpartum doula, a mother can enjoy some of the benefits of a prolonged "lying in" period. This will help her bond with her baby and spend extra time with any older siblings. Their work is about empowering a family to take care of itself and we facilitate this by helping around the house and offering encouragement and suggestions.

Birth Doula
Usually charges a fixed price for the birth package to include all pre and post birth meetings. Clients should expect regional variations in fees reflecting local living costs, and should be aware that more experienced doulas may reasonably be expected to charge more than less experienced doulas in the same area. In addition, some doulas have other qualifications and skills which are taken account in their fee structure. The average cost is 1,200 N.I.S., though experienced doulas charge 2,000+ N.I.S.

Postpartum Doula
Usually charges an hourly fee and may require a minimum booking of 3 or 4 hours per session (sometimes mileage is extra). A deposit is also generally required. Often, packages are offered to maximize a family's service within their budget. The average is 60 N.I.S. per hour, though there are those who charge 80 N.I.S. per hour.

A Baby nurse generally will only attend to the new baby. A postpartum doula is hired to support the whole family. She will help the new mom with whatever she needs to keep the house running smoothly this may include tidying up the house, baby laundry or running errands. A doula also helps with older children, playing and entertaining them so mom can take a shower, breastfeed without interruptions or take a much needed nap. A postpartum doula is not trained to provide health care for the mother or baby. A postpartum doula does not take vitals, assessments or give any opinions or information regarding medications for mother or baby. Postpartum doulas are simply there to help the mother find her own parenting ability in a positive, nurturing environment.

A birth doula is a woman trained in childbirth who provides physical, emotional support during labor, birth and the immediate postpartum period.

A postpartum doula is a woman trained to care for the new families in the first weeks after birth providing household help, advice with newborn care and infant feeding. She may also help with sibling care, run errands and provide light meals. She is a good source for emotional support.

If you get lucky, you can find a woman who is both a birth and postpartum doula!

A doula is a valuable asset to any laboring woman and her partner. Many women desire an unmedicated birth with a minimal use of technology/procedures. Others simply want an experienced caregiver’s continuous presence during this unfamiliar experience. A doula can encourage the partner in a supportive role during labor or offer primary support when he/she is unavailable or wishes to limit his/her participation.

Any new or experienced mother can use postpartum doula services for practical, educational, and emotional support. Needs for using postpartum services are as individual and unique as each new mother and baby. They may depend on what other postpartum support family and friends may provide. But those living far away from family, like in the case of Aliyah, are in definite need of a Postpartum Doula.