Considering Doula support for your pregnancy journey? Join us for Meet the Doulas at South County Health. Register Today >
For many expectant parents, preparing for birth involves choosing an obstetric provider, attending prenatal visits, and creating a plan for delivery. Increasingly, families are also considering the support of a doula—a trained professional who provides continuous emotional, educational, and physical support before, during, and after childbirth.
At South County Health, maternity care is designed to support patients through every stage of pregnancy and beyond. While obstetric providers focus on the medical aspects of pregnancy and delivery, community doulas can complement that care by offering personalized guidance and reassurance throughout the experience.
“Pregnancy is not a single event—it’s a journey,” says Martha Moe, MD, Medical Director of the Center for Women’s Health which has 4 locations across Rhode Island, including one on Powel Avenue in Newport. “Our role is to ensure that patients feel informed, supported, and medically cared for every step of the way. That starts well before delivery day. Doulas offer a very different kind of support.”
South County Health has recently opened the Operating Room in the Women and Newborn Care Unit to doulas, meaning that a delivering patient who is being supported by a doula is welcome to have them by their side, even in the OR. Doula Barbie French was the first to participate in an OR birth at South County Health.
After that first OR birth, French said “These past few days since sharing my experience so many families that I have supported over the years (who have been wheeled into the OR without me) have reached out with joyful messages. Those who wish to have more children in the future expressed such happiness and relief that I could remain by their sides regardless of how their babies came into the world.”
What Is a Doula?
A doula is a trained professional who provides non-medical support to pregnant individuals and their families. Their role may include helping parents understand their options during pregnancy, offering comfort techniques during labor, and providing guidance during the early postpartum period.
Unlike physicians, midwives, or nurses, doulas do not perform medical procedures or make clinical decisions. Instead, they focus on helping families feel prepared, confident, and supported during one of life’s most significant transitions.
“Patients benefit most when they feel informed and empowered,” Dr. Moe says. “A supportive care team—whether that includes partners, family members, or doulas—can help create a more positive and confident birth experience.”
Complementing Medical Care
Prenatal care remains the foundation of a healthy pregnancy. Regular visits allow providers to monitor maternal and fetal health, address risk factors, and respond quickly if concerns arise.
“Optimizing health before and during pregnancy can significantly improve outcomes,” Dr. Moe explains. “We work with patients to address concerns early—whether that’s blood pressure, diabetes, nutrition, or simply answering questions about what to expect.”
While obstetric providers manage the clinical side of pregnancy and birth, doulas often focus on practical and emotional support—helping patients develop birth preferences, understand hospital procedures, and navigate labor with comfort techniques such as breathing, positioning, or relaxation strategies.
Support That Extends Beyond Birth
The value of additional support often continues after the baby arrives. The postpartum period can bring physical recovery, emotional adjustments, and many new responsibilities for families.
“The postpartum period is just as important as pregnancy,” Dr. Moe emphasizes. “We monitor recovery, screen for postpartum depression, support breastfeeding, and help patients navigate the physical and emotional adjustments that follow birth.”
Some doulas also provide postpartum services—helping parents adjust to newborn care, offering feeding support, and providing reassurance during the early weeks of parenthood.
Choosing the Right Support for You
Every pregnancy and birth experience is unique. Some families choose to work solely with their medical care team, while others find that adding a doula helps them feel more prepared and supported.
“What matters most is that patients feel comfortable and confident in their care,” says Dr. Moe. “Our goal is always the same—to ensure safe, compassionate care.”
At South County Health, maternity care is designed to support families long before labor begins and well after the baby arrives—because a healthy birth experience is built on comprehensive care, trusted relationships, and the right support along the way.
Considering Doula Support for your pregnancy journey?
Join us for Meet the Doulas at SCH on March 28th—an opportunity to connect with local doulas of Doulas of Rhode Island, ask questions, and tour South County Hospital’s Birthing Center so you can feel confident and supported on your journey. Register Today >