Who are we?

The Philly Doula Co-Op (PDC), is a group of diverse, certified birth professionals, and some are in the process of becoming certified. We each work as independent contractors and are equal members of the Co-Op. Our shared values include inclusivity, advocacy, equal access to quality care, empowerment through education, and respect for the individual regardless of age, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, language, physical ability, religion, family, citizenship status, socioeconomic circumstances, education, and life experiences. It is our mission to make every client and PDC member feel valued, heard and welcome.

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​The Philly Doula Co-Op is a network of birth professionals who are committed to providing quality services to support optimal pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum experiences in the greater Philadelphia area.

Our co-op includes seasoned doulas and those new to the profession, offering a range of birth and post- partum services to families.  Our collective emphasizes professionalism, education, mentoring, and community.

Each doula in the co-op has completed training through DONA International, CAPPA, BirthArts or Birthing From Within.  Before joining the co-op, a doula's candidacy is carefully reviewed and voted upon by all members.

Our doulas benefit from mentoring and on going professional support. With years of experience, mentor doulas inform the standards of practice for the co-op and serve as models and resources for novice doulas. We offer a range of fees for our services commensurate with experience, allowing prospective clients the freedom to choose the doula that best matches their needs while still providing a consistency of care. 

Many of our doulas have additional professional qualifications, including but not limited
to: certifications for lactation support and childbirth education, licensure for counseling
and therapy, and yoga teacher certification. Please visit Our doulas for more information about our individual doulas. 
  
​The word doula comes from the ancient Greek word meaning “a woman who serves” and was often associated with handmaidens or servants. Today, the word doula refers to professional birth attendants and those who care for families during the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum periods. Throughout history, women have always been supported by other women during their childbearing years. As doulas, we work from a deep legacy of support, advocacy, and care that spans generations and continents. 

What is a birth doula?

A birth doula is a trained professional who offers emotional, physical, and informational support throughout pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the first few hours and weeks of parenthood. A doula supports birthing people and their families by providing evidence based, non-judgemental support and advocating for families to make informed, consensual choices throughout labor and delivery.

Birth doulas offer a variety of different comfort measures including physical relief through massage and counter pressure, movement and position suggestions, breath techniques and other individualized comforts, providing a calm and experienced presence, and offering invaluable words of comfort and encouragement. 

Working with a doula means you have the benefit of continuous support for the duration
of labor, regardless of your place of birth. Studies have shown that families who work with doulas experience improved physical and psychological outcomes for both birthing person and baby. Doulas have a positive impact on the well-being of the entire family.

What is a post-partum doula? 

A post-partum doula provides families with personalized and practical support during the three months following a baby’s birth, also known as “the fourth trimester”. Research shows that families with a good support team in place throughout the first days and weeks following the arrival of the baby into the home, have an easier and more positive transitional experience.

Post-partum doulas help families in a variety of ways including but not limited to: providing sleep support for both parents and/or baby(ies), assisting with breastfeeding success, tending to basic baby care, helping to manage the home environment, errands and chores in and out of the home, sibling support, as well as resources to encourage a parenthood experience that is safe, secure and confidant. Post-partum doulas provide services during the day and/or overnight, depending on the specialized needs of the family.
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