When you’re preparing to welcome a new baby, there’s no shortage of decisions to make. One choice that can have a lasting impact on your experience is whether to hire a doula. I recently sat down with Lizzy, a mother of four and certified birth doula in Bergen County, NJ known as The Fitness Doula, to talk about what doulas really do, how they support moms, and what expecting families should know. Here’s what I covered in my Interview with a Doula: What Every Expecting Mom Should Know.
Whether you’re birthing in a hospital, at home, or at a birth center, Lizzy’s wisdom is full of heart, experience, and practical insight.
From Motherhood to Doula Work: Lizzy’s Story
Lizzy’s path to becoming a doula was born out of her own diverse birth experiences having her own children and learning to advocate for herself during labor and delivery. After supporting a friend through a tough delivery, she realized she had a gift. Initially she wanted to be a midwife, but found it difficult to educate herself with four children at home and working full time. Years later, she was selected for a community doula program and discovered her calling. It’s difficult to be on call at all hours, but she finds it very rewarding.
“Once I supported that first mom,” she says, “I knew this was what I was meant to do.”
What Exactly Does a Doula Do?
Doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after labor. Unlike midwives or doctors, they don’t deliver babies or offer medical care. Instead, they’re there to support you—whether that means helping you advocate for your birth plan, offering pain relief techniques, or just being a calm, constant presence.
Lizzy explains, “Even if everything doesn’t go exactly how you imagined, if you feel like you were part of the decisions, that can still be a positive birth experience.”
Doula vs. Midwife: What’s the Difference?
Midwives are licensed medical professionals who can perform clinical tasks, deliver babies, and monitor medical conditions and take a more holistic approach. Doulas, on the other hand, provide non-medical support and pain management. Both can work together, especially in hospital settings, but only a doula will be by your side through every moment.
How Doulas Support Every Kind of Birth
Every mom is different, and Lizzy tailors her support accordingly. Some moms want her there from early labor. Others prefer to meet at the hospital. She’s attended short 3-hour births and marathon 30-hour labors.
She also supports moms aiming for VBACs (vaginal birth after cesarean) and helps them emotionally reclaim their birth experience. Her passion for education is leading her to begin childbirth classes, too—extending her reach to even more families.
How Doulas Help You Prepare
Lizzy encourages her clients to stay physically active (within their comfort zone), teaches pelvic floor strengthening, and guides them through labor positions. She is also a yoga instructor and incorporates that into her approach. She also focuses on mental preparation: visualization, self-trust, and tuning into your body.
“It’s not about perfection,” she says. “It’s about feeling prepared and supported.”
The Most Common Misconception
Many expectant parents think they don’t need a doula if their doctor or midwife is supportive. But doctors often rotate shifts, and the person who shows up on delivery day might not be the one you saw throughout your pregnancy.
A doula, Lizzy explains, is the constant—someone who knows your preferences, your story, and your heart. Many partners often tell Lizzy, “Where were you when we had our first kid? She needed you!” It’s often the little details that doulas pay attention to when there are so many things going on and expectant parents are overwhelmed.
Lizzy’s philosophy when supporting moms through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum
She feels that having a connection with your doula is very important, whether it be with her or another doula. Giving birth is a very vulnerable and intimate experience, and you want to ensure that the person supporting you is the right fit for you. Lizzy tries to meet moms where they are; she says, “Every mom deserves a doula. I’m not the doula for every mom.” She doesn’t provide her own opinions, she shares research and information from reliable sources to help parents make informed decisions. She is there to support expecting parents through their own journey to parenthood. It is the parents experience, so it’s important to create a positive experience. That may include grieving the birth you planned to have but didn’t work out the way you wanted. When you have a say in your medical decisions it feels more empowered.
5 Quick Tips for Moms-to-Be (from Lizzy)
- Know your body. You’re the expert on your baby and your experience.
- Ask questions. No question is too small. You deserve answers.
- Connect with your intuition. Whether that’s through music, nature, or movement—trust your inner guide.
- Prepare your body and your mind. Physical strength and emotional resilience go hand in hand.
- Own your birth story. Your birth, your voice. Make decisions from a place of empowerment.
Final Thoughts
Lizzy’s approach is deeply compassionate, honest, and rooted in advocacy. Her passion is clear: to help each mother feel seen, supported, and empowered—no matter how her birth unfolds.
If you’re expecting and curious about what a doula can offer—or simply looking for ways to feel more prepared—Lizzy is a wonderful resource in the Bergen County, NJ area. You can learn more at thefitnessdoula.com or @lizzythedoula on Instagram.
And if you’re looking to preserve this journey through beautiful, heartfelt imagery, I’d love to connect with you. As a Bergen County, NJ maternity and newborn photographer, I specialize in capturing these once-in-a-lifetime moments with care and authenticity.
Explore Maternity & Newborn Photography in Bergen County, NJ
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