Best book reading list for doulas

Below are 10 of our favorite books to recommend for aspiring doulas

For anyone drawn to the valuable work of supporting families as a birth or postpartum doula, the journey doesn’t just begin with choosing a doula training program, but also through education. Books are a valuable resource for expanding knowledge, deepening understanding of birthwork, and gaining insight into the emotional, mental, and physical aspects of supporting families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

Whether you’re new to the doula profession or looking to expand your skills, here’s a curated list of books that can equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to start your journey as an aspiring doula.

1. The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin

One of the most highly recommended books for both doulas and birth partners, “The Birth Partner“ provides a comprehensive look at the physical and emotional aspects of childbirth. The late Penny Simkin was a longtime childbirth educator, doula, and one of the founders of DONA International. This book guides readers through every phase of labor, providing practical advice on how to support a person giving birth. 

For aspiring doulas, this book is an invaluable resource to understand:

• The different stages of labor.
• Pain management techniques.
• Emotional support strategies.
• How to handle complications and emergencies.

Simkin’s empathetic approach and detailed explanations make this book a must-read, ensuring that doulas have the skills and confidence to offer nurturing and practical support throughout the birthing process.

2. The Doula Book: How a Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth by Marshall H. Klaus, John H. Kennell, and Phyllis H. Klaus

Written by pioneers in the doula field who are also the founders of DONA International,  “The Doula Book” is a classic that explores the many benefits of having a doula during childbirth. The authors present research-backed evidence demonstrating how doulas can reduce the need for medical interventions and promote better birth outcomes.

In this book, doulas will learn:

• The scientific research behind the positive effects of doula support.
• Techniques for offering both emotional and physical support.
• How to work effectively with medical professionals to create a collaborative birth team.

This book is particularly valuable for those interested in evidence-based birthwork and understanding how doulas can impact maternal health outcomes.

3. Birth Ambassadors: Doulas and the Re-Emergence of Woman-Supported Birth in America By Christine H. Morton with Elayne G. Clift

Birth Ambassadors documents the social history of the emergence of doula care in the United States. What are doulas and where did they come from? Why do women become doulas? What does it mean to be a doula? Birth Ambassadors is the only book to fully answer these questions by connecting narrative accounts with critical sociological analysis of the dilemmas and issues embodied in doula history and practice.

Based on historical research and interviews with currently practicing doulas and leaders in the field, Birth Ambassadors argues that the doula role is underpinned by ideological commitments to several overlapping and, at times, conflicting ideas around childbirth. These include an understanding of pregnancy and birth from the midwifery model, a belief in women’s right to make informed choices regarding their health care, the need for patient/consumer advocacy, and unconditional emotional support for women’s choices about their births.

Birth Ambassadors explores how this constellation of beliefs within doula practice represents an innovative yet problematic response within the maternity reform movement to empower women during and after childbirth. Doulas are ambassadors to the world of birth, highlighting women’s emotional experience of birth in settings where beliefs and practices of the participants (the woman, her family, the nurses, midwives and obstetricians) are sometimes in conflict. For doulas to fulfill their goal of entering mainstream maternity care, they and their organizations face critical challenges.

4. Birthing from Within by Pam England and Rob Horowitz

“Birthing from Within” offers a unique perspective on childbirth preparation that goes beyond the physical aspects of labor. Pam England, a midwife, and childbirth educator, focuses on the emotional, psychological, and even spiritual journey of giving birth.

Doulas will find value in this book for its:

• Exploration of the emotional landscape of birth.
• Tools for helping birthing families overcome fears and anxieties.
• Emphasis on birth as a transformative experience for both the birthing person and the doula.

This book encourages doulas to view birth as a deeply personal and empowering experience, offering creative and meditative exercises to prepare both the mind and body.

5. The Essential Homebirth Guide by Jane E. Drichta and Jodilyn Owen

As home births are becoming more common, “The Essential Homebirth Guide” is an excellent resource for doulas who want to support families choosing to birth outside of a hospital setting. This guide covers everything from planning a home birth to postpartum recovery.

For doulas, this book will provide:

• Detailed information on home birth safety and logistics.
• Techniques for supporting birthing families in a non-medical environment.
• Insight into building confidence in parents who choose a home birth.

Home births often require doulas to offer a different level of support, and this book helps prepare you for the unique aspects of these birth experiences.

6. The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson

“The Fourth Trimester” by Kimberly Ann Johnson delves into the often-overlooked phase of recovery after birth, providing essential guidance for postpartum doulas.

This book is especially valuable for learning about:

• Postpartum healing and recovery.
• Supporting the emotional and physical needs of new parents.
• Creating a nurturing environment during the early weeks of parenting.

With its emphasis on holistic postpartum care, this book is a fantastic resource for postpartum doulas and birth doulas who want to expand their practice to include postpartum support.

7. Nurture by Erica Chidi Cohen

A comprehensive guide to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, “Nurture” offers practical advice, real-life stories, and tools for emotional well-being. Written by doula and educator Erica Chidi Cohen, this book takes a modern approach to pregnancy and birth preparation.

In “Nurture,” doulas will benefit from:

• Guidance on self-care practices for both the doula and the birthing person.
• A focus on inclusivity and the diverse needs of modern families.
• Strategies for providing holistic support throughout pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period.

Cohen’s writing style is warm, accessible, and packed with useful insights, making this a great read for new doulas who want a balanced, modern approach to birth support.

8. The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother by Heng Ou

For doulas who want to focus on postpartum care, “The First Forty Days” offers a beautiful exploration of traditional postpartum practices from cultures around the world. Heng Ou provides nourishing recipes, healing practices, and rituals to support new mothers in their recovery.

This book teaches doulas about:

• The importance of rest and nourishment during the postpartum period.
• Traditional and holistic approaches to postpartum care.
• How to guide new mothers through their recovery with empathy and care.

Postpartum doulas will find this book especially valuable for creating a nurturing and supportive postpartum experience for their clients.

9. Heart and Hands: A Midwife’s Guide to Pregnancy and Birth by Elizabeth Davis

Written by midwife Elizabeth Davis, “Heart and Hands” provides an in-depth look at the physiology and anatomy of pregnancy and birth. While this book is geared toward midwives, aspiring doulas will find it an invaluable resource for understanding the medical aspects of birth.

This book offers:

• A detailed overview of the birthing process from a clinical perspective.
• Tools for understanding the various interventions and how to advocate for clients.
• Insight into the collaboration between doulas, midwives, and medical professionals.

This is a great resource for doulas who want to deepen their understanding of the clinical side of birth while maintaining a focus on compassionate care, and is especially useful for doulas who are aspiring midwives.

10. Mindful Birthing by Nancy Bardacke

As mindfulness becomes more integrated into birth practices, “Mindful Birthing” by Nancy Bardacke offers a unique approach to childbirth preparation. Bardacke, a nurse-midwife and mindfulness teacher, presents tools for using mindfulness to reduce fear, pain, and stress during labor.

Aspiring doulas will appreciate this book for its:

• Techniques for teaching mindfulness to clients.
• Tools for helping clients manage pain and anxiety.
• A holistic approach to birth that integrates both body and mind.

“Mindful Birthing” is an excellent resource for doulas who want to incorporate mindfulness practices into their birth support services.

Conclusion

Reading is one of the most useful tools any aspiring doula or doula has to grow their knowledge, expand their understanding of birthwork, and build confidence. The books listed above cover a range of topics from practical birth support techniques to emotional and psychological insights, helping to equip you with the skills needed to support birthing families. Each of these books offers valuable lessons and guidance that will shape your practice as a doula and prepare you to offer compassionate, informed, and empowering care.

As you embark on your journey, remember that the role of a doula is not only to support the birthing person physically but also to offer emotional, informational, and continuous care. These books will provide the foundation you need to begin this fulfilling and transformative career. Happy reading!