What Is a Birth Doula? (And Why Working with One Just Feels Right)
Like the perfect pair of jeans, doulas come in many shapes, specialties, and styles. Whether they focus on fertility, birth, postpartum, or all the in-betweens—when you find the right fit, it just feels right.
In this post, we're diving into the role of a birth doula specifically—what they do, how they help, and what it’s like when you work with a doula in Charlotte, NC through Doula Differently.
What Does a Birth Doula Do? (The Traditional Definition)
Traditionally, birth doulas are known for offering non-medical, continuous support during labor and birth. Here’s what that usually includes:
Emotional support: Encouragement, reassurance, and grounded presence throughout pregnancy and birth
Physical comfort measures: Positioning, breathwork, counterpressure, massage, and more
Information and education: Evidence-based answers and help understanding options
Partner support: Helping partners know how (and when!) to offer the most effective support
Advocacy: Supporting your preferences and helping you feel confident communicating with your care team
Doulas don’t replace your provider—they should. however, enhance the experience. We’re part of the team, and we’re always focused on you.
The Doula Differently Definition: Real, Relatable, Professional Support
At Doula Differently, we do birth support a little... differently. Yes, we’re professionally trained and certified birth doulas (and proud of it!), but we also bring realness, humor, and heart to the process.
You’ll get the traditional stuff and:
A strong foundation of education and preparation
Tools to help you and your partner (when applicable) feel calm, confident, and informed
Comfort techniques that actually work
A nonjudgmental space to figure out what kind of birth experience feels right to you
An experienced, grounded presence who knows when to step in—and when to just hold space
Whether you’re planning a natural birth, an epidural, an induction, or a C-section—our job is to help you feel held, heard, and supported from start to finish.
Birth Doula FAQ – Doula Differently Style
Q: What is a birth doula?
A birth doula is a trained professional who offers emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and just after birth. Think of us as your calm, confident guide—not medical, but deeply knowledgeable and always in your corner.
Q: Do doulas deliver babies?
Nope! We don’t do anything clinical. Your OB or midwife handles the medical side—your doula is there to support you.
Q: Why would I need a doula if I already have a partner or support person?
We love when you have a team! Doulas don’t replace your partner—they enhance their ability to support you. We’ll show them how to help in ways that actually make a difference (and let them take a break when they need one).
Q: Will you support me if I want an epidural or a planned C-section?
Absolutely. We support you—your choices, your preferences, your birth. Period.
Q: What's the biggest benefit of having a doula?
Confidence and continuity. You get someone who knows you, knows birth, and stays by your side—start to finish. Research shows doulas can lead to better outcomes, but more than that—it just feels good to be fully supported during one of the biggest moments of your life.
Doula Differently – What Makes Us Different
Q: What kinds of births do you support?
All of them. Home birth, hospital birth, birth center, VBAC, medicated, unmedicated, induction, C-section—you name it. If it’s your birth, we’re here for it.
Q: What kind of support do you offer during pregnancy?
When the time comes (check out our birth doula support packages here!) ,you’ll have full access to your doula for questions, check-ins, and planning. Plus, we’ll meet for a customized prenatal visit in our Charlotte office to go over your birth goals, comfort tools, partner prep, and postpartum planning.
Q: Which hospitals do you attend births at?
We support births at all Charlotte-area hospitals and birth centers, including Novant and Atrium systems. We’re a verified doula with Novant, meaning we’re welcome in addition to your chosen support person.
Q: What if I need help postpartum?
We’ve got you. We offer daytime and overnight postpartum doula support, as well as custom care packages for the early weeks after birth.
Q: Do you offer payment plans?
Yes—we believe birth support should be accessible. Reach out to chat about payment options and availability.
Q: How do I know if working with a doula is right for me?
Let’s talk! Book a free consult to see if it’s a good fit. No pressure, just a warm conversation to explore your options.
Get to Know Collin – Founder of Doula Differently
Q: Who is Collin Parsons?
Collin is the heart behind Doula Differently. She’s a certified birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and full-time hype woman for birthing people and their families. She blends education and experience with calm, real-life energy that makes people feel safe and seen.
Q: What inspired her to do this work?
Too many people were walking away from birth feeling like passengers instead of participants. Collin started Doula Differently to change that—one birth at a time.
Q: What’s her vibe in the birth space?
She’s intuitive, intentional, and keeps things real. Whether you need fierce advocacy or a hand to squeeze, she’s there—always meeting you where you are.
Q: Is her practice inclusive?
Always. Collin prioritizes gender-affirming, body-honoring, culturally competent care. Language matters. Autonomy matters. Representation matters. It’s baked into everything we do.
Q: What’s something unexpected about working with her?
You’ll probably laugh more than you expect. Birth is serious—but it doesn’t have to be heavy all the time.
Ready to Feel Supported, Seen, and Centered?!
Whether you're early in your planning or just starting to explore what support might look like, we're here to walk alongside you. No pressure—just real, evidence-based, affirming guidance from someone who genuinely cares. Book a Free Consult or Learn More About Our Birth Services
