A birth doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to a woman during pregnancy, labor, and childbirth. Their duties include attending prenatal appointments, helping the mother understand the information she has been given, helping the mother create a birth plan, providing continuous support during labour, offering comfort measures such as massage, aromatherapy and breathing techniques, and advocating for the mother's wishes and needs.

A postpartum doula, on the other hand, assists families in the early weeks or months after childbirth. Their responsibilities include providing emotional support and reassurance to the new parents, assisting with establishing breastfeeding and newborn care, offering guidance on postpartum recovery, and helping with household tasks such as cooking and cleaning.

The history of doulas dates back to ancient times when women in various cultures were supported by experienced female companions during childbirth. In the modern context, the birth doula movement regained momentum in the 1970s, as women sought to reclaim their birthing experiences away from hospital settings and over-medicalised processes and have more control over their bodies and choices. Similarly, the postpartum doula profession emerged in response to the recognition of the crucial need for support during the vulnerable and transformative post-birth period.

Today, doulas play a vital role in the birthing and postpartum process, offering non-medical support and guidance to women and families. They provide a source of comfort, knowledge, and advocacy, ensuring that women feel empowered and supported throughout their journey into motherhood.