The History of Doulas: From Ancient Traditions to Modern Maternal Advocacy

The presence of a supportive, knowledgeable companion during childbirth is far from a new concept. Long before the term "doula" became part of modern maternal care, women across cultures and generations were guiding, comforting, and advocating for one another during labor and postpartum recovery. Today’s doula movement is rooted in that history, and continues to evolve as a response to both personal needs and systemic gaps in healthcare, especially for Black mothers and marginalized communities.