EP47: Doula - An Invisible Support During Birth

The quiet presence in a delivery room, barely noticeable yet transformative, offering mental support and guidance to parents — this is the role of a doula. And precisely at a time when society often dismisses the emotions and feelings surrounding birth and parenthood as "secondary," doulas are gaining more recognition. And therein lies the paradox.

World Doula Week – A Time to Celebrate Doulas

This week, during World Doula Week, , the importance of doulas worldwide is being highlighted. This special moment aims to raise awareness of how vital doulas' continuous emotional support is — and how it still lacks the recognition it deserves.

"Doulas are there for the soul," says Stéphanie Fabbri, a dedicated doula who has been supporting parents through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum since 2016. "This emotional support is still far too often underestimated — yet it can sometimes even prevent traumatic birth experiences."

Doulas – Hokum or Essential Support?

Doulas continue to face misconceptions. For some, they are seen as an esoteric trend, while for others, they are an indispensable resource.

But what exactly does a doula do, and how does their role differ from that of a midwife? Doulas are not medically trained, but they provide continuous emotional support. They are present when labor stretches on, when partners feel overwhelmed, or when the birthing person feels like they can’t continue. It’s this unique presence that makes doulas so valuable.

"During my birth, the midwife was focused on medical concerns," Stephanie explains. "But the doula was there just for me." It’s a beautiful combination, as she calls it. "One focuses on the body, the other on the soul."

Emotional Support – A Forgotten Resource?

It’s becoming increasingly clear that the emotional dimension of pregnancy and childbirth has long been neglected. The common phrase "as long as the baby is healthy" overlooks the profound impact that a negative birth experience can have on both the mother and the child.

"When a woman feels safe and supported, the birth process is often smoother," Stephanie explains. Science backs this up. Studies have shown that continuous emotional support reduces the need for medical interventions and leads to a more positive birth experience. Yet, this type of support is often seen as a "luxury" — a service not covered by health insurance and thus unaffordable for many families.

Between Pioneer Work and Societal Invisibility

Doulas, especially in Luxembourg, still operate in a field that is not officially recognized. "It’s still pioneering work," Stephanie says. And that means society’s perception of doulas is still unclear.

Criticism sometimes even comes from medical professionals. Doulas are sometimes accused of "getting in the way." For Stephanie, this makes it all the more important to hold back intentionally: "My role is not to intervene. I’m there to give the woman confidence in her own abilities."

Still, as Stephanie emphasizes, improved collaboration between midwives, doctors, and doulas could ease many tensions: "It's not about competition — it’s about working together to put the woman at the center."

The Intimate Power of Presence

The need for personal support is as old as childbirth itself. But in a world increasingly driven by efficiency and time optimization, this intimate dimension is often overlooked. "The atmosphere during birth has a tremendous impact," says Stephanie. "When a woman feels safe, when she knows there’s someone there who knows her and listens to her — she can relax. And that changes everything."

Conclusion: Why Doulas Are More Than Just "Esoteric"

Childbirth is a life-changing moment — and how that moment unfolds often leaves a lasting imprint on the soul. Doulas help ensure this experience is not just "endured" but consciously shaped in a positive way. "A doula doesn’t make the woman stronger," Stephanie says. "But she reminds her how strong she already is."