What Is a Doula? Support for Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum Care
May 19, 2026
A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, and after childbirth. While doulas are not medical providers, they play an important role in helping families feel supported, informed, and confident throughout the childbirth experience. Doulas are part of a growing focus on patient-centered maternity care in New Mexico.
What Does a Doula Do?
A doula supports you before, during, and after your baby is born. Their goal is to help you feel comfortable, heard, and prepared every step of the way.
During Pregnancy
Doulas help you understand what to expect during labor and delivery. They can:
Answer questions about pregnancy and birth
Help you create a birth plan
Help you create a lactation plan
Provide education about pain management and delivery options
During Labor and Delivery
During labor, a doula provides continuous support, which may include:
Comfort techniques like breathing, positioning, and relaxation
Encouragement and reassurance
Helping communicate your preferences to your care team
After Your Baby Is Born (Postpartum Support)
Doulas can also provide support after delivery by:
Helping with newborn care and feeding
Offering emotional support during recovery
Connecting you to local resources and services
How Is a Doula Different from a Doctor or Midwife?
Doulas do not deliver babies or provide medical care. Instead, they focus on your comfort, education, and emotional well-being, leading to improved maternal and infant health. They work alongside your doctor, midwife, and nurses to support your overall experience.
Benefits of Having a Doula
Research shows that having a doula may:
Help lower the risk of poor health outcomes
Help reduce stress and anxiety during labor
Improve the overall birth experience
Provide continuous, personalized support
Help patients feel more informed and confident in their care decisions
Maternity Support Close to Home in New Mexico
At Presbyterian, we recognize the patient’s right to have a doula of your choice during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Under New Mexico law, you may choose any doula to support you, and your doula may accompany you to any Presbyterian facility to provide services. Doula care is covered by many insurance plans, including Turquoise Care, so check with your insurance plan to see if this service is covered. Your medical care will be provided by your healthcare team, so if you are expecting, talk with your care team about whether working with a doula is right for you and how doula services may work best with your birth plan and personal choices.
For more information about doulas, visit https://www.nmmaternalchildhealth.org/resources.
Visit phs.org/womens to learn more about pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum support services available across New Mexico. Information about your rights to have a doula accompany you within Presbyterian facilities can be viewed at our Doula Policy.
Clinical information provided by Emily Lilo, PhD, MPH, Community Health Perinatal Quality and Equity Initiative Lead
