The Role of a Doula: A Conversation with Eva Monhaut-Jenkins

Andrea Hartstein
Feb 1, 2025
5 min read

Updated: Feb 20, 2025

Bringing a baby into the world is one of the most transformative experiences in life. Whether it’s your first or fourth child, birth and postpartum come with challenges, emotions, and the need for support. That’s where doulas come in!

In this blog post, I’m sharing my conversation with Eva Monhaut-Jenkins, a birth and postpartum doula and the owner of Luna Natal Doula Care. Eva provides invaluable support to families before, during, and after birth, ensuring they feel informed, empowered, and cared for.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55HWyxHYn3E

What Is a Doula?

One of the biggest misconceptions about doulas is that they deliver babies. Eva quickly clears that up:

"No, no, that’s not what we do. As birth doulas, we provide non-medical, emotional, and physical support throughout labor."

Every doula’s approach is unique, but Eva's services include:

✔️ Two prenatal visits to discuss birth preferences and comfort measures

✔️ Continuous support during labor and delivery

✔️ Postpartum visits focused on physical and emotional well-being

"We talk through their pregnancy, practice relaxation techniques, and go over all the tools and resources available during labor—whether it’s counter pressure, essential oils, or a rebozo. If they have a partner, I show them how to be involved too."

Doulas are there to make sure birthing people feel supported, safe, and confident. They’re also a source of mental and emotional reassurance—something many people don’t realize they need until they’re in the moment.

More Than Just Labor Support

Before speaking with Eva, I assumed doulas were just for labor. But she explained that their role extends far beyond the delivery room.

"We also talk through any fears they may have leading up to birth, how they feel about the people in the room with them, and even create a plan in case they change their mind about who they want there."

After birth, the work continues.

"At the postpartum visit, I check in on their mental health, how they're adjusting, whether it's their first baby or their fourth. I also offer referrals—whether for lactation support, pelvic floor therapy, or even newborn photography!"

Her approach is holistic and deeply personal, ensuring that families have all the resources they need to thrive.

How Eva Became a Doula

Eva’s journey into birth work started with a lifelong fascination with pregnancy and childbirth.

"I never knew about doulas growing up. I thought if I wanted to work in birth, it had to be in the medical field, and I knew that wasn’t for me."

While working at Hannah’s House of Michiana, a maternity home for pregnant women, Eva realized how passionate she was about supporting people through pregnancy.

"When I had my son, I knew about doulas but didn’t hire one. Looking back, I had an amazing team of nurses who felt like my doulas, but the experience solidified my calling. I knew I had to do this."

A year later, she began her doula training and launched her own business, offering birth and postpartum support to families in Michiana.

Postpartum Doulas: The Support Every Family Needs

While birth doulas help during labor, postpartum doulas provide ongoing support in the critical weeks after birth. But what exactly does that look like?

"It varies from family to family. Some people need someone to just sit and talk because they haven’t had an adult conversation in a week. Others need help with newborn care, washing bottles, preparing meals, or entertaining older children so they can rest."

One of the biggest roles a postpartum doula plays is checking in on mental and emotional health.

"I’m not a licensed therapist, but I am trained to recognize signs of postpartum mood disorders. If needed, I can refer families to the right resources. It’s all about making sure they’re supported."

Historically, new parents had a built-in village of family and community support. Today, many don’t have that—so postpartum doulas step in to fill the gap.

"People come in and hold the baby, but they don’t always stop to ask, ‘How are you feeling? How’s your recovery going?’ That’s where I come in—to mother the mother."

Why Birth Support Matters

Hearing Eva talk about her work made me reflect on my own birth experiences.

"I had three births and never had a doula. In hindsight, I wish I did. I used to think doulas were just for labor, but they do so much more—helping moms process their fears beforehand, providing advocacy, and making sure they have the support they need postpartum."

I shared a moment from my first birth when my mother-in-law instinctively acted as a doula for me:

"I wasn’t breathing properly, and my husband kept telling me, ‘Andrea, you need to breathe.’ But I thought I was! Then my mother-in-law leaned in and said, ‘Breathe with me.’ And suddenly, I realized I wasn’t breathing. That moment stuck with me because it was exactly what I needed."

That’s the kind of intuitive, nurturing support a doula provides.

What Makes a Great Doula?

Every doula has their own style. When I asked Eva how she approaches birth support, she described herself as calm, intuitive, and adaptable.

"I try to be the presence people need in the room. If someone needs high energy, I may not be the right fit. But I aim to be a steady, motherly presence—kind of like a big sister or aunt who’s been there before."

For Eva, research and knowledge are key.

"I’m the type of person who will read seven books, 20 articles, and listen to three podcasts on a topic. I want to be a source of information, but only if my clients want it. Some people want all the details, and some just want reassurance that they’re doing great."

What’s the Best & Hardest Part of Being a Doula?

When I asked Eva about her favorite and least favorite aspects of her work, her answers were clear:

💛 Best part: “Being there in those moments—helping people feel safe, seen, and supported.”

💔 Hardest part: “Knowing how undervalued postpartum care is in our culture. In America, new parents are expected to bounce back immediately, and they don’t always get the support they need. It’s heartbreaking.”

Eva hopes her work helps change that narrative—one family at a time.