When Nathalie Grolleman, a DONA-certified doula and founder of Doula Nathalie & Associates, first started her practice, she noticed a pattern: many families had a narrow idea of what a doula does. In a recent interview, she set the record straight.
The Biggest Misconception: Doulas Don’t Argue with Doctors
One of the most persistent myths, Grolleman says, is that a doula’s role is to advocate by arguing with medical staff. "In reality, doulas work collaboratively with the birthing person and their medical team to help communicate their wishes, provide emotional and physical support, and make sure they understand their options." She emphasizes that doulas offer evidence-based information, not directives.
To help clients make informed decisions, her team uses the BRAIN technique—Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, Nothing. "The goal isn’t for the doula to make the decision for the client. Instead, they help the client feel informed, supported, and empowered to make the decision that feels right for them."
Another misconception? That doulas only support unmedicated home births. "Doulas can support all types of births from hospital, home, birthing centers, epidurals, C-sections, VBACs, inductions, etc." She also notes that doula care isn’t just for the wealthy, pointing to Medicaid reimbursement and nonprofit programs expanding access.
Consistent Care Across a Wide Region
Serving families across Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia requires a deliberate approach. Grolleman explains that her agency—with a team of more than 30 doulas—relies on clear communication and geographic boundaries. "Our doulas only accept jobs within their designated service areas and make sure they're available to cover their scheduled shifts."
Backup support is a key advantage of working with an agency. "With a team of more than 30 doulas, we have a strong backup system in place to ensure that our families are always supported and never left without care." For her, consistency comes down to communication, teamwork, and preparation.
Inclusive Care Starts with Listening
When asked how inclusive care shows up with a new client, Grolleman says it begins with getting to know each family. "We take time to listen to what matters to them, understand their needs and preferences, and learn how they want support throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience."
Her team’s diversity is intentional. "Our diverse team of doulas brings different cultural, religious, linguistic, and life experiences. This allows us to accommodate a wide range of family preferences and needs." Whether it’s language, culture, or religion, they try to match families with a doula who aligns with their values. "Ultimately, inclusive care means making sure every client feels valued, understood, respected, and supported throughout their experience."
What a Doula Really Does for First-Time Parents
For first-time parents unsure if they need a doula, Grolleman points to tangible benefits. "During birth, a doula provides continuous emotional and physical support, helps you understand your options, and offers comfort measures to help you feel more confident and supported." She also notes that positioning and movement can have real clinical impacts. "By moving the mother in different positions, the baby will move into a more ideal position. Pushing in different positions can prevent the client from a vacuum-assisted birth or forceps delivery."
Postpartum, the support continues. "A doula can help you navigate the transition into parenthood, provide practical support, answer questions, and offer resources as you adjust to life with your new baby." The result, she says, is that first-time parents feel more informed, prepared, and confident.
Postpartum Care: More Than Just Baby Help
Grolleman’s practice offers both birth and postpartum support, and she’s clear that postpartum care is highly individualized. "A postpartum doula supports the family as they adjust to life with a new baby. Our doulas provide emotional, educational, and practical support to help make the transition as smooth as possible."
That might mean helping with newborn care, lactation and feeding support, light household tasks, or simply being a listening ear. "Sometimes that means providing an extra set of hands for day-to-day tasks, while other times it means being a listening ear and offering reassurance during those early weeks." For families in the DMV looking for customized support, Doula Nathalie & Associates offers a model that adapts to each family’s unique needs—from the first prenatal visit through the weeks after delivery.
As Grolleman puts it, the goal is simple: "We want every client to feel seen, respected, heard, and safe."