Building a Stronger Birth Team Starts Here

Having a baby truly takes a village. Now, one of the country's leading medical organizations is saying the same thing.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recently released new guidance encouraging OB/GYNs to work more closely with doulas. While many families have experienced the benefits of having a doula by their side, this guidance is an exciting step toward making collaborative, family-centered care the norm.

So, what does this actually mean for you?

First, What Is a Doula?

A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and educational support throughout pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period. Doulas don't deliver babies or provide medical care, that's your doctor's or midwife's role. Instead, they help you feel informed, confident, and supported every step of the way.

Think of a doula as someone who's in your corner; helping you ask questions, understand your options, and feel more at ease during one of life's biggest transitions.

Why This New Guidance Matters

For years, doulas and healthcare providers haven't always been seen as part of the same team. ACOG's new guidance changes that conversation.

Their message is simple: when doulas and medical providers work together, families benefit.

Instead of viewing doulas as separate from the healthcare team, ACOG encourages OB/GYNs to build respectful partnerships with them. Each professional has a different role, but they all share the same goal: helping parents and babies have the healthiest, safest, and most positive experience possible.

What Does This Mean for Expecting Parents?

When your support team communicates and works together, you can spend less time worrying and more time focusing on welcoming your baby.

Research has shown that continuous support during labor can improve birth experiences and help parents feel more confident and empowered. A collaborative care team can also help you:

• Feel heard and respected.

• Better understand your choices.

• Receive emotional support alongside medical care.

• Feel more prepared before, during, and after birth.

Every birth is unique, but everyone deserves to feel supported.

Our Perspective at Boston Birth Village

At Boston Birth Village, we've always believed that families thrive when they're surrounded by compassionate, knowledgeable support. Whether that support comes from your OB/GYN, midwife, doula, therapist, lactation consultant, or another trusted professional, every member of your team brings something valuable.

We're excited to see national organizations recognizing what we've long believed: birth is better when we work together.

As more healthcare providers embrace collaboration with doulas, we're hopeful that even more families will experience care that is not only safe, but also empowering, respectful, and deeply supportive.

Because every parent deserves to feel like they have a village behind them.