Bridging Holistic Care and Birth Support
When it comes to preparing for birth, many people seek a balance between science, intuition, and natural care. What is a naturopathic doula and what is their role? Enter: your Naturopathic Doula—a unique blend of two powerful roles that support you physically, emotionally, and holistically throughout your pregnancy and postpartum journey.
But what exactly does a naturopathic doula do? And how is the care different from that of a Midwife and an OBGYN.
Let’s break it down.
What Is a Naturopathic Doula?
A Naturopathic Doula is a trained birth support professional who is also a licensed Naturopathic Doctor. Naturopathic Medicine is a system of healthcare that combines modern science with natural therapies like herbal medicine, nutrition, acupuncture, homeopathy, and mind-body support.
Some naturopathic doulas are licensed Naturopathic Doctors (NDs), while others are trained doulas with a strong background in holistic wellness.
Their focus? Supporting the birthing person and their family with compassionate, individualized care—before, during, and after birth—while drawing on both natural healing principles and evidence-based knowledge.
Where I find Doulas differ from OBGYN’s, is in the approach to achieving a common goal. Your OB and midwife are primarily focused on the health of the baby and getting that baby out! A Doula is only there to care for you as the birthing mother. She will make sure you are supported, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically and be there for you as an advocate in your pre-determined birth decisions.
What Does a Naturopathic Doula Do?
Much like a traditional doula, a naturopathic doula provides non-medical emotional, physical, and informational support. But they also offer a layer of care that draws from holistic health principles.
Here’s what their support might look like:
During Pregnancy
- Help prepare your mind and body for labor using nutrition, herbs, supplements, and gentle movement
- Offer guidance on sleep, stress, digestion, and common pregnancy discomforts (like nausea or swelling) using naturopathic approaches
- Educate you on natural options for labor prep (e.g., red raspberry leaf tea, perineal massage, homeopathic remedies)
- Create a birth plan with both you as the mom and your partner, that honors your values and preferences
- Help facilitate decision making on interventions during labour and immediately postpartum
During Labor
- Provide continuous presence and reassurance throughout labor and birth
- Use tools like aromatherapy, acupressure, acupuncture, homeopathy, breathing techniques, and massage to ease discomfort
- Help create a calm, grounded birth space—whether at home, a birth center, or in a hospital
- Advocate for informed choice while working alongside your medical care team
Postpartum Support
- Support healing and recovery with nutritional guidance, herbal teas, sitz baths, and more
- Address emotional well-being with mindfulness tools and natural mood support
- Assist with newborn care, breastfeeding, or chestfeeding using evidence-based and gentle approaches
- Connect you with a network of holistic practitioners if needed (e.g., lactation consultants, pelvic floor therapists, mental health providers)
What Makes This Role Unique?
What sets a naturopathic doula apart is their integrative lens. They look at the whole person—not just what’s happening physically, but emotionally, mentally, and energetically as well.
They understand how to:
- Work with the body’s natural rhythms
- Use safe and appropriate natural remedies during pregnancy
- Respect and collaborate with medical professionals
- Tailor care to your individual constitution and needs
This blend of clinical understanding and natural support creates a well-rounded, empowering approach to birth and postpartum care.
Is a Naturopathic Doula Right for You?
If you:
- Value holistic wellness and natural remedies
- Want personalized, continuous support during pregnancy, birth, and beyond
- Are looking for someone who honors your choices and provides grounded, evidence-informed guidance
…then working with a naturopathic doula could be a beautiful fit.
Whether you’re planning a home birth, a hospital delivery, or something in between, this type of support helps you feel seen, respected, and deeply cared for—on every level.
Final Thoughts
Birth is not a medical emergency—it can be a beautiful experience that unites you with a vast community of mothers that have come before you. A naturopathic doula walks beside you during this sacred time, offering a blend of wisdom, support, and holistic care that nourishes your body and spirit.
If you’re curious about working with one, please feel free to reach out to nd.kesact@yahoo.com or call (905) 989-0003 to book a free consult.