Doula Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of holistic healthcare, the importance of doulas has never been more recognized.

As society becomes more mindful of mental and physical well-being, the demand for compassionate individuals who can guide, support, and advocate during childbirth is growing.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a doula?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the complexities of this role,
• A healthcare facility in search of the perfect addition to your team,
• Or simply intrigued by the compassionate world of doulas,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable doula job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or healthcare career sites.

Let’s jump right into it.

Doula Duties and Responsibilities

Doulas perform a variety of tasks related to childbirth, providing emotional, physical, and educational support to mothers before, during, and shortly after childbirth.

They are primarily responsible for making the birthing process as comfortable and informed as possible, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

• Meet with clients to discuss their birth plan and provide emotional and educational support
• Assist in developing a personalized birth plan
• Provide physical support during labor and delivery, including assistance with breathing techniques and comfort measures
• Offer emotional support and encouragement during labor and delivery
• Provide information and support on infant care and postpartum recovery
• Support family members and partners in their roles during labor and delivery
• Provide referrals to other professionals or resources as needed, such as lactation consultants or postpartum therapists
• Provide support and assistance during postpartum period including help with breastfeeding and newborn care
• Communicate effectively with medical staff to ensure the birth plan is followed as closely as possible

 

Doula Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Doula to provide physical, emotional, and educational support to a mother who is expecting, is experiencing labor, or has recently given birth.

The Doula’s role is to assist in creating a calm and supportive environment during the prenatal period and childbirth.

Our ideal candidate has a passion for childbirth and women’s health, has strong emotional intelligence, and the ability to provide non-medical comfort techniques during labor and birth.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide continuous emotional and physical support to mothers before, during, and after childbirth.
• Assist in creating birth plans and ensure that they are followed as closely as possible.
• Provide non-medical pain management techniques and comfort measures during labor.
• Offer guidance on breathing techniques, positioning, and relaxation methods.
• Facilitate communication between the mother, her partner, and healthcare providers.
• Provide information about birthing options and potential interventions.
• Support and educate partners about the birth process and their roles.
• Provide postpartum support including breastfeeding guidance and newborn care education.

 

Qualifications

• Completion of a Doula training program and certification by a recognized Doula certification organization.
• Proven experience as a Doula or related role.
• Strong knowledge of childbirth and postpartum care.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to provide emotional support and handle stressful situations.
• Flexible schedule with the ability to be on-call for births.
• Physical stamina for long periods of standing and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

 

Benefits

• Flexible work hours
• Professional development opportunities
• Paid time off
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Doula
• Work Environment: This job generally requires being on call, and can include working in clients’ homes, birth centers, and hospitals.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Doula Services Manager or Director of Maternity Services.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time, Part-time, Contract
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Doula Do?

A Doula is a non-medical professional trained to assist women during childbirth and provide support to the family after the baby is born.

They help expectant mothers by providing emotional support, physical comfort, and assisting with birth preparation strategies.

This might include teaching breathing techniques, massage strategies, and suggesting comfortable labor positions.

During childbirth, a Doula acts as a continuous supportive presence, providing reassurance and encouragement.

They also communicate between the mother and the medical team, ensuring that the mother’s wishes are respected and that she has the information needed to make informed decisions.

After the baby is born, many Doulas provide postpartum support, helping the new mother with breastfeeding and offering advice on infant care.

Doulas can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, birthing centers, and home births.

They work closely with the healthcare team, but their primary focus is on the well-being of the mother and her family.

 

Doula Qualifications and Skills

A skilled doula should have the qualifications and skills that match with your job description, such as:

• Deep understanding of the childbirth process and postpartum care to provide support and education to parents.
• Strong communication skills to effectively convey information to parents, listen to their concerns, and advocate for their needs with healthcare professionals.
• Empathy and understanding to connect with parents during a vulnerable and emotional time in their lives.
• Ability to provide emotional support and reassurance to parents during labor and childbirth, as well as in the postpartum period.
• Problem-solving skills to anticipate and address issues that may arise during childbirth and the postpartum period.
• Physical stamina to provide continuous support during labor, which can often last for several hours or more.
• Knowledge of relaxation techniques, birthing positions, and other comfort measures to assist parents during labor.
• Possessing certification from a recognized doula training program, such as DONA International or Childbirth International.

 

Doula Experience Requirements

To become a Doula, individuals are typically required to undergo formal training through Doula certification programs.

These programs combine theoretical knowledge about pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period with hands-on practice and often requires individuals to attend a certain number of births to gain practical experience.

Entry-level Doulas usually have at least 1 to 2 years of experience, often through volunteering at birth centers or hospitals, or assisting experienced Doulas.

This allows them to gain first-hand experience in providing emotional, physical, and informational support to mothers and families before, during, and after childbirth.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience as a Doula often have a substantial understanding of childbirth procedures and an ability to provide personalized care.

They may have also received additional training in areas such as lactation support, childbirth education, or bereavement support.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are typically considered highly experienced Doulas.

They often have extensive experience in managing complex birth situations and may have leadership experience in coordinating with a team of healthcare professionals.

They may also be involved in mentoring new Doulas and providing training in Doula services.

 

Doula Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a Doula doesn’t require a formal education, but it does require certain trainings and certification.

Most Doulas begin their journey by attending a Doula training workshop.

These workshops can vary from a couple of days to a week and cover a wide range of topics including the birthing process, comfort techniques, the role of a Doula, and business skills.

After completing the workshop, prospective Doulas are required to attend a certain number of births under the supervision of an experienced Doula.

This gives them hands-on experience in supporting women and their families during labor and childbirth.

Once these requirements are met, Doulas can apply for certification through a Doula organization.

The organization may have additional requirements like reading lists, written exams, or essays.

While certification is not required to practice as a Doula, it can enhance a Doula’s credibility and professional opportunities.

Continuing education is also important for Doulas to keep up with the latest research and techniques.

Many Doulas choose to specialize in areas like high-risk pregnancies, postpartum support, or lactation consulting, which may require additional training and certification.

 

Doula Salary Expectations

The average salary for a doula is around $26.85 (USD) per hour.

However, actual earnings can vary greatly based on experience, certification, region, and the type of services provided.

Some experienced doulas providing extensive support may earn over $1000 per birth.

 

Doula Job Description FAQs

What skills does a doula need?

Doulas need to be highly empathetic and possess excellent interpersonal skills as their main role is to provide emotional and physical support to mothers before, during, and after childbirth.

They need good communication skills to effectively interact with mothers, partners, and medical staff.

Doulas should also have a strong understanding of childbirth procedures and possible complications, as well as basic knowledge of pain relief techniques.

 

Do doulas need a specific degree?

While no specific degree is required to become a doula, a certification from a recognized doula training program is highly recommended.

This provides the necessary training in childbirth and postpartum support, breastfeeding, and newborn care.

Some doulas may also have degrees or training in related fields such as nursing, midwifery, or social work.

 

What should you look for in a doula resume?

On a doula resume, look for evidence of relevant training and certification, as well as experience supporting mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.

Also, check for any special skills or areas of focus, such as experience with high-risk pregnancies, multiple births, or lactation consulting.

Testimonials or references from previous clients can also provide valuable insights.

 

What qualities make a good doula?

A good doula is compassionate, patient, and supportive, able to provide comfort and reassurance during a highly emotional time.

They should be good listeners and communicators, able to understand a mother’s concerns and wishes, and articulate them to medical staff if necessary.

A good doula should also be adaptable, able to navigate unexpected situations or changes in a birth plan with calm and positivity.

 

Is doula certification necessary?

While certification is not required by law, many families and healthcare providers prefer to work with certified doulas.

Certification shows that a doula has completed a course of study and has practical experience.

It can also be beneficial for doulas themselves, as certified doulas often have access to additional resources, professional networks, and continuing education opportunities.

 

Conclusion

And that concludes our deep dive.

Today, we’ve illuminated the intricate and rewarding role of a doula.

Surprised?

Being a doula is not just about providing physical and emotional support.

It’s about helping to shape the miracle of life, one birth at a time.

With our comprehensive doula job description template and realistic examples, you’re well-equipped to take the next step.

But don’t stop here.

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for meticulously crafted job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Keep in mind:

Every birth is part of the broader tapestry of life.

Let’s weave that tapestry. Together.

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