I lost count of how many times I got asked this question at a recent conference.
“So... what’s a doula?”
“Is that like a midwife?” or “So you deliver babies?”
All fair questions, but not quite right.
It was a gentle reminder that even though doulas have been around for generations, many new (and seasoned) parents still aren’t quite sure what we do, why it matters, or if it’s something they should look into.
So if you’ve ever wondered what a doula actually does, here’s a simple, honest breakdown to help you feel more informed and supported.
First Things First: A Doula Isn’t a Midwife
We’re not medical professionals, and we don’t replace your OB or midwife. But we are trained birth and postpartum professionals who provide emotional, practical, and evidence-informed support before, during, and after birth.
Think of us as the steady, knowledgeable, nurturing presence that helps you feel calm, clear and confident. We’re here to answer your 3am “is this normal?” texts, guide you through labour with hands-on tools, and help you rest and recover with real support once baby’s here.
So What Does That Look Like?
It could be as simple as helping you write your birth preferences or reminding you to breathe through a contraction when things get intense. It might mean showing your partner how to be the best support person possible, or making you a warm postpartum meal while you finally get a hot shower.
At Fill Your Cup, our doulas are trained to support your whole journey, from pregnancy to postpartum, with science-backed tools and heartfelt care.
And yes, that includes making you delicious, nutrient-rich meals, holding your baby so you can nap, and being the person who gets it when you’re feeling all the feelings.
But I’ve Got a Supportive Partner and Family…
That’s wonderful! And doulas don’t replace that, we enhance it.
Many first-time parents tell us the same thing: “We just want someone who’s walked this path before, who knows what’s normal and can guide us through it.” A doula brings experience, calm, and clarity to moments that can feel overwhelming or uncertain for both parents.
Doulas Aren’t Just for One Type of Birth
Here’s a myth we’d love to bust: doulas are only for natural or home births. Not true at all.
We support all kinds of births , elective caesareans, vaginal births after a previous caesarean, medicated births, hospital births, home births and everything in between. If you want someone to walk beside you and support your choices, that’s where we shine.
What Makes Fill Your Cup Doulas Different?
We’re Australia’s first doula village. And we’ve combined heartfelt, nurturing care with evidence-based science to offer something a little bit special. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Science-backed care: With decades of experience in health education, we provide support that’s grounded in research, from our postpartum menu to our personalised research briefs.
- Real-time support: From labour to late-night questions, your doula is just a text away, ready to offer comfort, clarity, or just remind you that you’re doing better than you think.
- Continuity of care: If your primary doula isn’t available (life happens), our doula village model ensures a trained replacement steps in seamlessly, no need to retell your story.
- Intentional nourishment: Every postpartum meal we prep is designed to replenish, restore and support your healing body.
Support Isn’t a Luxury , It’s a Lifeline
If you're preparing for your first baby and feeling a bit unsure (or wildly overwhelmed), you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. We’re here to walk alongside you, whether you’re navigating pregnancy, labour or those hazy postpartum days.
You’re allowed to ask for help. In fact, we encourage it.
💛 We offer birth and postpartum doula care across Brisbane, Sydney, Hobart, Melbourne and Geelong.
Whether you're craving calm, clarity, or just someone to hold the baby while you rest, our doulas are here.
👉 Learn more or connect with a doula near you: www.ifillyourcup.com
Disclaimer: The information on this website presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice.
Nothing contained in this site is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice
Leave a comment (all fields required)