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Doulas

​A professional doula can offer one-on-one education and support through abortion, miscarriage, pregnancy, labor, cesarean section, postpartum experiences, and more. Some doulas specialize in certain areas, such as fertility awareness, conception, LGBTQIA+ support, vaginal birth after a cesarean, bereavement, etc.

Professional doulas are widely recognized as important members of pregnancy healthcare teams. Doulas maintain confidentiality. Doulas do not provide medical care or advice.


Abortion Doulas or Companions

An abortion doula or companion can provide confidential support before, during, and after your abortion. A doula can support you as you navigate feelings, options, and logistics around abortion. A doula does not make decisions or speak for you but can help you communicate and collaborate as needed.

The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in changes in the roles and involvement of support people in clinics. When you call a clinic to make your first appointment, ask about the role of doulas and support people.

Typically, a doula or other support person may be with you during an in-clinic abortion and through recovery, if you desire that. An abortion doula can accompany you to and from appointments. If you choose to have a pill abortion at home, a doula can support you throughout that process.  Doulas and companions are available to listen and support, as well as to assist you physically and logistically when and where possible. 

Where can I find an abortion doula or companion?

When you google doulas in your area, look for doulas who call themselves “full-spectrum” or “full-circle”. They may offer abortion as well as birth support. You can also contact birth doulas and ask if they offer abortion support – many do offer this service but do not advertise it specifically.   

POWERS is in contact with many full-spectrum and abortion doulas and companions around Wisconsin and just across the border. If you would like help in finding an abortion doula or companion, feel free to contact us

Wisconsin Abortion Support Network

Support, resources and education for all abortion experiences with abortion doulas throughout Wisconsin.

How much do abortion doulas cost?

Fees charged by abortion doulas and companions vary and depend on whether services are virtual or in-person. Some doulas and companions offer payment plans, sliding-fee scales, or volunteer services in certain circumstances.

Birth Doulas

A birth doula can provide informational, emotional, and physical support to you and your family during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. A doula offers continuous support throughout your labor and does not make decisions or speak for you but can help you communicate and collaborate with your care team as needed. If a health complication or other unplanned event arises, a doula can help you remain centered in your labor, birth, and new parenting experience. Doulas can provide support in hospital, birth centers and at home.

Why work with a doula for your birth?

A 2017 Cochrane Review of 26 randomized trials including more than 15,000 people compared continuous one-on-one support to usual care in birth. The review concluded that continuous support, particularly when provided by a professional doula, was associated with improved birth outcomes. Doula supported births are associated with:

  • 31% decrease in the use of Pitocin;
  • 28% decrease in the risk of Cesarean;
  • 12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth;
  • 34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience.

“Support offered by trained labor coaches such as doulas has been associated with improved birth outcomes, including shortened labor and fewer operative deliveries.” – American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2017

Where can I find a doula?

Birth doulas can be found throughout Wisconsin. Google doulas in your area and go to our Wisconsin Resources page and google . You can also contact local midwives and birth centers for possible referrals. Contact us if you would like help finding a birth doula.

​How do I pick a doula?

​If your area offers more than one doula service, we suggest that you choose two or three doulas who seem like a good fit online and set up a free interview with each of them.

How much do doulas cost?

Birth doula fees vary by individual community and individual doula and depend on whether services are virtual or in-person. Some communities have free or low-cost doula programs. Some doulas offer payment plans, sliding-fee scales, or volunteer services in certain circumstances.