Berlin's expanding circle of doulas extends beyond birth assistance, providing an array of services.

Berlin's expanding circle of doulas extends beyond birth assistance, providing an array of services.

Nine years ago, our trusted babysitter transitioned to training as a doula, a development we found devastating. This term was unfamiliar to my German partner, who considered it mere jumbled syllables. I, however, had a vague understanding of doulas as non-medical support providers for birthing women. In America, doulas offered backrubs, tea, and hand-holding, services that I believed were adequately handled by the German healthcare system.

Fast forward to 2025, and doulas have become an integral part of many Berliners' birthing experiences. While uncovering the exact number of doulas operating in Berlin can be challenging, since there is no regulatory body, a simple Google search yields dozens of English-language doula services based in Berlin. Interestingly, despite the insurance coverage of most healthcare expenses in Germany, doulas are thriving in this city.

In 2020, it is even possible to hire an English-speaking, Berlin-based doula to support you during a gender transition, a service only offered by a limited number of doulas globally. With prices ranging from €500 to €2,500, doulas in Berlin appear to be not only surviving but flourishing amid the city's insurance-bound healthcare system. One might wonder, what gives?

I reached out to Jes Walsh, the top-ranking doula on my search results, who started her business in Berlin in 2017. As one of the city's earliest English-speaking doulas, she has assisted "somewhere between 70 and 100" clients and is now one of the most sought-after doulas in Berlin. She attributes the growth of her business to a changing demographic of international residents, often from countries where doulas are more common.

Doulas have had a presence in birthing since the 1960s, an evolution born from the natural birth movement in America. The name 'doula' was coined in 1969 by American medical anthropologist Dana Raphael, who drew on an ancient Greek word for 'female servant.' While they do provide back rubs, their services encompass a wide array of emotional and practical support—listening, postnatal massage, and acting as an emotional and informational guide in the delivery room. Initially dismissed by the medical establishment, studies have demonstrated that doula-assisted births result in a decrease in interventions like Caesarian sections and a higher Apgar score, which measures newborn health at birth.

In Germany, the role of a doula has expanded to offering support during multiple life-changing events, such as abortion, miscarriage, stillbirth, and death. There is now even the option to hire an English-language, Berlin-based doula during a gender transition, a service only offered by a few doulas worldwide. The increase in doula services in Berlin is noteworthy given the comprehensive midwife care available prior to and after a birth in Germany and the recent increase in liability insurance premiums driving many freelance midwives out of the delivery room.

The high demand for doula services in Berlin is due to both cultural and practical factors. The city, home to a large international population, faces challenges navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems, making doulas' translation and system navigation skills vital. Moreover, the doula's role is not only to support emotional well-being but also to provide much-needed practical assistance, such as researching doctors and appointments.

The rise of doula services in Berlin is also a reflection of the demand for personalized and holistic care, enhancing the standard medical care offered by hospitals and midwives. It is not surprising that, in a city where English speakers seek a support system in the absence of family and friends, the need for professional or community-based support has grown. The perceived shortage of English-speaking therapists in Berlin and the struggles of queer and trans individuals to secure gender-affirming care have also contributed to the growth of doula services.

While the lack of regulation in the doula profession can pose challenges for clients, many doulas recognize this issue and remain cautious about implementing a licensing system. Despite this, clients often rely on gut feeling and testimonials from previous clients when choosing a doula. Nonetheless, the unregulated nature of the profession represents an ongoing potential concern for clients seeking professional standards and consistent quality of care.

In the past, I had experienced an abortion in London, one of the early countries to legalize the procedure. Although the process was complicated, I never regretted the decision and would have appreciated the support of a doula throughout the process. Today, in a supportive environment such as Berlin, having a trained professional like a doula available during a challenging moment in life can make all the difference.

1. The growth of doula services in Berlin is a testament to changing demographics, catering to international residents.
2. Doulas offer a wide array of emotional and practical support, transcending the simple act of providing back rubs.
3. The role of a doula has expanded in Germany to include assistance during life-changing events like abortion, miscarriage, stillbirth, and death.
4. The increased demand for doula services in Berlin can be attributed to the city's large international population navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems.
5. Doulas provide invaluable practical assistance, such as researching doctors and appointments, for clients in need.
6. The rise of doula services in Berlin reflects the demand for personalized and holistic care, supplementing the standard medical care offered by hospitals and midwives.
7. In a city where English speakers seek a support system in the absence of family and friends, the need for professional or community-based support has become acute.
8. The perceived shortage of English-speaking therapists in Berlin and the struggles of queer and trans individuals to secure gender-affirming care have also driven the growth of doula services.
9. While the lack of regulation in the doula profession presents challenges for clients, many doulas remain cautious about implementing a licensing system.
10. Clients often rely on gut feeling and testimonials from previous clients when choosing a doula, without a regulated system in place.
11. The unregulated nature of the doula profession can be a persistent concern for clients seeking professional standards and consistent quality of care.
12. It is essential to consider the benefits of holistic health practices like doula support, especially during challenging moments in life.
13. In a supportive environment like Berlin, a trained professional like a doula can provide invaluable support throughout a challenging experience.
14. The name 'doula' was coined in 1969 by American medical anthropologist Dana Raphael, inspired by an ancient Greek word for 'female servant.'
15. Doulas have been a part of birthing since the 1960s, born from the natural birth movement in America.
16. Initially dismissed by the medical establishment, studies have shown that doula-assisted births result in fewer interventions and higher Apgar scores.
17. In America, doulas provide backrubs, tea, and emotional support—services that I had assumed were adequately covered by the German healthcare system.
18. In 2025, doulas have become an integral part of many Berliners' birthing experiences, regardless of the coverage provided by the German healthcare system.
19. The high demand for doula services in Berlin stretches beyond birthing to include support during gender transitions, a service available through only a few doulas worldwide.
20. Doulas are thriving in Berlin's insurance-bound healthcare system, suggesting a growing recognition of their importance in personal and holistic well-being.
21. With prices ranging from €500 to €2,500, it appears that doulas in Berlin are not only surviving but flourishing in their field.
22. It is worth investigating the impact of doula services on mental health outcomes and overall well-being, given their expanding influence.
23. In a city known for its vibrant lifestyle, it comes as no surprise that the demand for personalized care like doula services has grown.
24. Fitness and exercise, mental health, skin care, and healthy cooking are just a few examples of popular health and wellness trends in Berlin.
25. The world of wellness in Berlin stretches beyond personal health, encompassing home and garden, home improvement, and sustainable living.
26. In the realm of global cuisines, Berlin offers a wealth of culinary experiences, from robust gastropubs to cozy bakeries serving delicious pastries and beverages.
27. As our modern lives become increasingly intertwined with technology, it is essential to balance screen time with productivity, fitness, and outdoor living.

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