As more expectant parents seek personalized support during childbirth, the role of doulas is gaining recognition. In Flanders, Belgium, approximately three women each week are now choosing to have a doula present during labor and delivery, a trend reflecting a growing desire for emotional and practical assistance alongside medical care.
A doula provides non-medical support, offering guidance and comfort rooted in experience. This support system complements the work of doctors and midwives, who focus on the physical health of both mother and baby. “Doctors are there for the baby, she was there for us,” shared Chantal, a latest mother, highlighting the distinct role a doula plays in the birthing process. This sentiment underscores the increasing value placed on emotional well-being during childbirth.
The rise in doula-assisted births comes as expectant mothers explore various options for their birthing experience. Recent discussions have also focused on empowering women to move freely during labor, challenging traditional practices that often involve lying on one’s back. News reports from March 13, 2026, indicate a growing awareness of the benefits of different birthing positions.
The demand for alternative birthing support is also evident in initiatives like Brussels-based midwifery practices collaborating with Bed and Breakfasts to offer a more comfortable and private birthing environment, particularly during times when hospital births are less desirable. According to reports, this trend began during the coronavirus crisis, as women sought alternatives to hospital settings.
Doulas and midwives both play crucial roles in supporting expectant mothers, offering different but complementary forms of care. As outlined by WomanLog, doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support, while midwives offer medical expertise. This collaborative approach aims to ensure a positive and healthy birthing experience for all involved. The increasing popularity of doulas reflects a broader movement towards more holistic and individualized maternity care.
The availability of doula care is also being addressed through initiatives aimed at reducing racial inequities in birth outcomes. NYC Health highlights that babies born to Black and Puerto Rican mothers are three times more likely to die in their first year of life than babies born to non-Hispanic White mothers, and doula support is seen as a promising way to address this disparity. This underscores the importance of equitable access to comprehensive maternity care for all communities.
