The Cincinnati Doula Network was created with one clear purpose: to connect families, doulas, and healthcare providers in our region. We believe that every family deserves access to high-quality, compassionate doula care—and that our hospitals, birth centers, and providers deserve a reliable way to connect with trained professionals who are ready to serve.

Research continues to show that having a doula leads to better outcomes for parents and babies. Families supported by doulas often report lower rates of intervention, shorter labors, higher satisfaction with their birth experience, and more confidence during the postpartum period.

When you hire a doula, you’re investing in continuous, personalized support for one of the biggest days of your life. But here’s the truth that isn’t always talked about: there is never a 100% guarantee that your primary doula will be at your birth.

At the Cincinnati Doula Network, our goal is to remove the guesswork. We believe families should never “take it as it comes” when it comes to birth support. Instead, you deserve to know exactly who might walk beside you on your birth day—and to trust that, no matter what, you’ll be supported by a qualified, experienced doula who honors your birth preferences.

Hiring a doula is one of the most personal and impactful decisions you’ll make in your birth journey. But with so many doulas in the Greater Cincinnati area—and with no formal requirement for certification—it can be hard to know where to begin. How do you move past websites, social media, or a line about “certification” to really know if a doula is the right fit for your family?

The Cincinnati Doula Network exists to make this process easier. Our doulas are committed to ongoing education, active certification, and professional standards of care—but just as importantly, they are committed to you.

Choosing a birth place and provider is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your pregnancy. If you plan to hire a doula, it’s important to know that not every hospital or provider sees doula care in the same way. Some are highly supportive and integrate doulas into the birth team seamlessly, while others may be less familiar or even resistant. The good news is: you can spot the signs of a doula-supportive environment before your birth.

The Cincinnati Doula Network exists to connect families and providers with doulas who are trained, experienced, and committed to professional collaboration. By using our directory, you can find a doula who fits your needs and who knows which local hospitals and providers foster truly supportive environments. Together, we’re working to make Cincinnati a place where every family feels respected, supported, and empowered in birth.

Asking these questions about back-up support gives you confidence and clarity—because your doula support should feel reliable, no matter what.

Certification can mean many different things, depending on the organization. Instead of relying only on a credential, ask whether the doula is actively maintaining certification, earning CEUs, and engaging in continuing education. These markers show ongoing commitment to professional growth.

This is exactly why the Cincinnati Doula Network exists—to make it easier for providers and families to connect with trusted, experienced doulas. Our network ensures that every doula listed is actively certified, engaged in continuing education, and transparent about their backup plans. By using the directory, you can confidently refer patients knowing they will be matched with professionals who meet the highest standards of care and collaboration.