The doula glossary
A plain-language place to look up an unfamiliar term.
Antepartum doula
A term for a doula offering support during pregnancy. Ask about the practical help, companionship or preparation conversations included in the service.
Backup doula
A doula arranged to support you if the person you booked is unavailable. Ask who they are, whether you can learn about them before booking and how to contact them.
Birth doula
A doula who provides continuous support during labor and delivery. DONA describes comfort measures, advocacy and emotional support for you and your partner, alongside your medical providers.[source]
Birth plan / birth preferences
A written way to share your wishes for birth with your care team and support people. Include who you want involved and how you prefer to communicate, then discuss it together.
Certification
A credential earned by completing the requirements of the body awarding it. DONA certification must be earned and maintained through continued education and evaluation.[source]
Comfort measures
Non-medical ways to offer physical comfort during labor, included in DONA’s description of birth doula support. Ask what your doula offers and tell them what you welcome.[source]
Continuous labor support
Ongoing support while you are in labor. ACOG describes continuous one-to-one emotional support in addition to regular nursing care.[source]
Doula
A trained professional providing continuous physical, emotional and informational support before, during and shortly after childbirth, as defined by DONA International. This support is non-medical.[source]
Fourth trimester
An informal term for early life after birth and the adjustment to having a new baby. Use it to start a conversation about the support you want at home.
Medicaid
A health coverage program. KFF Health News reported doula coverage in 26 states and Washington, D.C., with services and visits varying by state. Call your plan to ask about your doula benefits.[source]
Midwife
A medical care provider, unlike a doula whose role is non-medical support. Ask where they provide care and how to reach them with care questions.
OB-GYN
Short for obstetrics and gynecology, also used for a physician in that field. Ask your healthcare team whom to contact with questions about your care.
On-call window
The agreed period when a birth doula is available to attend labor. Ask how wide the window is and what happens outside it.
Package pricing
A fee structure that bundles defined visits and support into one price. Ask what is included, what costs extra and when payment is due.
Postpartum doula
A doula supporting your family in the weeks and months after birth. DONA describes newborn care, feeding support, family adjustment and companionship, along with meals, light household tasks and referrals when needed.[source]
Postpartum period
The time after birth. When booking support, ask when visits begin, how long they continue and how to change the schedule.
Scope of practice
The responsibilities and boundaries of a professional role. DONA publishes Standards of Practice and Codes of Ethics describing what birth and postpartum doulas do and do not do. Clear service descriptions also help clients understand your practice boundaries.[source]
Service agreement
A written description of services, fees, backup, cancellation and communication expectations between a doula and a client. This is not a substitute for legal advice.