A doula is a trained professional who provides physical and emotional support for women during and after their pregnancy.

Not to be confused with midwives, doulas do not have medical training and experience so they’re not legally allowed to provide medical care.

Historically, many Black women acted as both midwives and doulas during slavery. They worked to provide support to Black and White mothers because medical assistance with childbirth wasn’t widely practiced.

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Now, doulas can work alongside medical staff to further support pregnant women. Some services that doulas provide may include:

Emotional support
Breathing techniques during labor and delivery
Newborn education and care
Lactation and breastfeeding education and assistance
Sleep coaching for infants
Meal preparation
Umbilical and/or circumcision care

Each doula is different so pregnant women should choose one whose beliefs and techniques they most identify with. Organizations like the National Black Doulas Association, work to provide helpful resources to Black pregnant women and aspiring Black doulas. They offer a national directory of Black doulas so that Black pregnant women can get the care they need from women who may better understand their needs.

Black motherhood