When you hear the word doula, you might picture a calm, nurturing presence in a birthing room, offering comfort and guidance as a baby makes their grand entrance into the world. But did you know there are several different types of doulas, each specializing in their own unique area of care? Whether it’s birth, postpartum, adoption, or even death, doulas provide emotional and physical support during life’s most profound moments.
Let’s take a look at six types of doulas and what they do. You might even feel inspired to become one yourself!
1. Birth Doula
Bringing babies into the world, one breath at a time.
A birth doula is probably what most people think of when they hear the word. These doulas provide emotional, physical, and educational support to mothers before, during, and shortly after childbirth. They offer comfort techniques (like breathing exercises, massage, and positional suggestions), help with birth plans, and act as an advocate for the birthing mother’s wishes.
How to Become One: Most birth doulas complete a training program through a certifying organization like DONA International or CAPPA. Certification involves attending workshops, assisting in several births, and studying topics like childbirth education, breastfeeding, and postpartum care.
Income: Birth doulas typically charge between $500 and $2,500 per birth, depending on location, experience, and what services are offered. On average, they can earn $30,000 to $60,000 per year.
2. Postpartum Doula
Because life after birth can be a bit… messy.
A postpartum doula swoops in after the baby arrives to help new parents adjust to life with a newborn. From providing breastfeeding support to doing light housework, their role is to help the new family bond and settle into a new routine. They also help with infant care, sibling adjustment, and sometimes even offer mental health support for those baby blues.
How to Become One: Like birth doulas, postpartum doulas need training, which usually includes learning about newborn care, breastfeeding, emotional support, and maternal recovery. Certification programs are offered through organizations like DONA and ProDoula.
Income: Postpartum doulas generally charge hourly rates between $25 and $50. Many work part-time, but full-time doulas can earn $25,000 to $55,000 per year.
3. Fertility Doula
Your guide to the wild world of fertility treatments.
Fertility doulas offer support to individuals or couples navigating the often stressful journey of trying to conceive. They provide emotional support, assist with understanding fertility treatments, and help with holistic practices like nutrition, stress management, and natural fertility methods. While they don’t replace medical advice, they offer a comforting presence during a complicated process.
How to Become One: Becoming a fertility doula involves specialized training in fertility awareness, reproductive health, and emotional support. Certification is available through programs like Bebo Mia.
Income: Fertility doulas typically charge $500 to $1,500 for a full package of services, with annual earnings ranging from $30,000 to $50,000.
4. Bereavement Doula
Helping families through the unimaginable.
Bereavement doulas provide care and support to families experiencing pregnancy or infant loss. They offer a compassionate presence, helping families navigate the overwhelming emotions and decisions that come with miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death. Their role is to create a safe space for grief and to help families honor and remember their babies.
How to Become One: Training for bereavement doulas includes specialized courses in grief, trauma, and infant loss support. Certification can be obtained through organizations like Stillbirthday.
Income: Bereavement doulas often volunteer or charge low fees, though some may earn up to $20,000 per year for their services.
5. Death Doula
End-of-life care with a heart.
Death doulas (or end-of-life doulas) offer emotional and spiritual support to individuals nearing the end of their lives, as well as their families. They help with legacy projects, planning for the dying process, and providing comfort during those final days. Think of them as companions for the dying, ensuring dignity and compassion during the transition.
How to Become One: Training programs for death doulas focus on understanding the dying process, active listening, and grief support. Organizations like INELDA and Lifespan Doula Association offer certification.
Income: Death doulas typically earn $25 to $100 per hour, depending on the services they offer. Annual income can range from $30,000 to $60,000.
6. Adoption Doula
Supporting families through the adoption journey.
Adoption doulas support birth parents, adoptive families, or both, during the adoption process. They offer emotional support, help with the logistics of adoption, and provide guidance throughout the transition. Whether it’s helping a birth mother during labor or assisting adoptive parents in bonding with their new child, adoption doulas play a key role in creating a positive adoption experience.
How to Become One: Certification programs for adoption doulas teach about the emotional complexities of adoption, as well as birth parent and adoptive family support. Training is available through organizations like Birth Arts International.
Income: Adoption doulas typically charge a flat fee for services, earning anywhere from $500 to $3,000 per adoption. Annual earnings range from $25,000 to $50,000.
So there you have it—six amazing types of doulas, each with their own unique superpower. Whether you’re bringing new life into the world or helping someone transition out of it, being a doula is a deeply rewarding career. Plus, with flexible hours and the ability to set your own rates, it can be a great fit for moms (or anyone) looking for a meaningful side hustle!
