THE DOULA DIFFERENCE
Frequently asked questions
GENERAL & BIRTH DOULA QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A DOULA?
A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after childbirth. Doulas don’t speak for clients, but help them understand their options, communicate clearly, and make informed choices. There is more in-depth information about this on our home page.
what does a doula do?
Doulas offer comfort measures (like bodywork, breathing, meditation, positioning), emotional reassurance, and help partners feel confident and involved.
is a doula the same this as a midwife?
No. A midwife provides clinical care, like medical exams and delivering the baby, while a doula offers non-medical emotional and physical support.
Having a midwife is a wonderful choice, however, adding a doula to your birth team can be incredibly beneficial. Doulas complement midwives by offering continuous comfort and advocacy, ensuring that emotional well-being and partner support are prioritized from start to finish. Together, they create a more balanced, holistic birth experience.
Wuluku Wombs requires the presence of a midwife or doctor during birth doula services, therefore hiring a doula is not in replacement of either.
Do doulas replace partners?
Not at all — doulas complement the partner’s role by supporting both parents and helping them feel calm and confident.
are DOULAs only for natural births?
No. Doulas support all birth types — medicated, unmedicated, inductions, cesarean births, hospital, home, or birthing centre.
are doulas only for first-time parents?
Doulas support all families, including experienced parents who want a different birth experience or extra support.
WHEN should i hire a birth doula?
Ideally by the second trimester, but some families hire later in pregnancy or even close to birth if a doula is available.
WHAT kind of prenatal support do doulas provide?
Birth education, creating a birth plan, understanding interventions, exploring comfort techniques, and emotional preparation. Wuluku Wombs can also add in personalized meditations and access to prenatal yoga classes (coming soon).
GENERAL & postpartum DOULA QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A POSTPARTUM DOULA?
A postpartum doula supports families after birth by helping with newborn care, breastfeeding, recovery, emotional support, and household adjustment.
what’s the difference between a nanny and a postpartum doula?
A nanny focuses on childcare — tending to the baby and daily routines. A postpartum doula supports the whole family’s transition, offering newborn education, emotional care, feeding support, and gentle household help. While nannies provide ongoing care, doulas are there short-term to nurture, guide, and empower parents in those first tender weeks.
CAN I GIFT DOULA SERVICES TO SOMEONE?
Definitely. Doula care makes an excellent baby shower or registry gift that supports both the birthing person and baby. Contact me and we can create a Wuluku Wombs giftcard!
do postpartum doulas help with mental health?
Postpartum Doulas are not therapists, but they provide emotional support, can recognize signs of postpartum depression or anxiety, and help connect you to resources.
is doula care covered by insurance?
Some insurance plans, benefits programs, or health spending accounts (HSA/FSA) may reimburse doula services.
HOW do you know if wuluku wombs is the right fit?
Trust your intuition. A good fit feels comfortable, safe, and aligned with your birth preferences and values. Let’s set up a free Meet & Greet to discuss your needs and see if we fit!
ARE DOULAS certified or regulated?
Certification isn’t required but adds credibility. Reputable certifying organizations include DONA International, CAPPA, and Doula Canada. At Wuluku Wombs, Nik Nichols is certifying with Doula School Canada and is continuing her education in birth work.
Do doulas even make a difference?
Research shows doula support leads to shorter labours, fewer interventions, reduced C-section rates, and higher satisfaction with the birth experience. Please view ‘Shared Insights’ on our Home Page.