If you're pregnant, or thinking about it, have you considered hiring a doula to be on your birth team in Singapore?
Offering emotional and physical support along with a wealth of knowledge around birth and newborn care, we wanted to find out more about what a doula in Singapore actually does, with advice from mums who’ve hired them. We had a chat with the lovely doula Tania Stephan, to fill us in on her personal journey and why a doula is an invaluable source of calm amongst the chaos.
Tania’s personal journey to becoming a birth doula
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what led you to become a birth doula?
“Becoming a doula was the result of a long-held dream. I had always wanted to become a midwife, but I also had a strong desire to travel and explore the world, so I initially chose a corporate career. After having children, I felt the need for something more meaningful and aligned with my values. Supporting families through birth felt like a natural and fulfilling path that combined my love for science, care, and human connection.”
“I’m originally from France and have lived in Asia since 2016, first in Vietnam for seven years and now in Singapore. I hold a background in pharmacy and an engineering degree in health and nutrition.”
What was your own birth experience like, and did it influence your decision to support others in birth?
“I try not to centre my work around my own birth experiences, as they are personal and unique to me. That said, going through birth myself has certainly shaped my understanding and empathy as a doula. I don’t believe you need to have had a particular type of birth to support others. What matters most is the ability to listen, to hold space, and to support each family in the way that feels right for them.”
What does a birth doula actually do, and do you need one?
For those unfamiliar, what exactly does a birth doula do, and how is a doula’s role different from that of a midwife or obstetrician?
“It’s important to note that there are no official ‘midwives’ in Singaporean hospitals, it is a system of obstetricians and nurses. A doula can help to bridge this. As a doula, I provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after birth. Unlike a midwife or obstetrician, we don’t perform any clinical tasks. We’re there solely for the birthing person and their partner. We aim to offer comfort measures, guidance, and reassurance throughout the process.”
What does a typical day (or night!) look like for you when supporting a client in labour?
“Every birth is different, and that’s the beauty of it. There’s no routine, and no repetition. How I support depends on how labour begins. In the early stages, I usually offer a lot of reassurance and information to help parents feel calm and grounded. I guide them through comfort measures, breathing, and positions that help the birthing person feel as relaxed as possible.”
“I focus on creating a calm, supportive birth space. That might include setting up the room and helping them understand what’s happening or what protocols are being followed. I also provide physical support through massage, counter-pressure, or movement. Some births are fast, others are long, but I’m there from the moment my client needs me until baby is born. I stay for around two hours after the birth to support the golden hour, bonding, and the initial feeding, as I’m also a lactation consultant!”
Labour advice and overcoming anxiety
Can you share some of the most valuable birth tools / labour props and strategies you swear by?
“Knowledge is power, and information is always the most powerful tool. Helping families understand what’s happening and what their options are makes such a difference. Doing a childbirth class is also an incredibly valuable tool for parents. It helps them build confidence, understand the process, and feel better prepared for the journey ahead. I always have a TENS machine and labour combs on hand, and I use hip squeezes in nearly every birth. They work wonders for comfort. When available, hydrotherapy is also fantastic. A warm bath or shower can offer incredible relief.”
What are some of the biggest misconceptions about childbirth that you encounter in your work?
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that birth is something to fear. That it’s automatically painful, risky, or something that must be tightly controlled. In Singapore, birth typically happens in a hospital setting in case medical support is needed. But it’s important to remember that birth is a physiological event, not a medical emergency! Navigating in a hospital environment can be tricky and requires a shift in mindset. The birthing person isn’t sick. They’re giving birth. When that mindset shift happens, birth can be deeply powerful and empowering.”
What are the most rewarding and challenging parts of being a doula?
“The most rewarding is witnessing transformation, and the birth of parents as well as their babies. Seeing a parent step into their power, trust their instincts, and meet their baby with strength and love is incredibly moving every single time. The most challening thing is navigating systems that don’t always centre around the birthing person. And of course, the unpredictability of birth, and being on call 24/7! But it’s part of the commitment and always worth it.”
Giving birth in Singapore
What unique challenges or benefits do expectant parents in Singapore face when it comes to birth options?
“The birth culture in Singapore is still evolving, and one of the main challenges is navigating the medical system. Figuring out which provider and which hospital truly align with your values and the kind of birth experience you want isn’t always straightforward. Many families don’t realise how many options they have. Singapore offers a wide range of possibilities. With curiosity, guidance, and the right information, families here can absolutely find birth teams and care models that support their vision.”
Real birth stories by families in Singapore
“Each birth that I have been a part of is unique and special in its own way. I remember one mother who had a very traumatic first birth, which left her feeling disempowered. For her second birth, she came in with a deep desire for a different experience. Through preparation, support, and trust in her body, she birthed her baby in a calm, powerful, and beautiful way. Afterward, she said, “I got the birth of my dreams.” It was incredibly touching. Water births also stay with me. There’s something magical about the calm, fluid transition for the baby and the sense of peace it brings to the room.”
Crystal Jiang’s waterbirth
Crystal wanted a water birth at Thomson Medical Centre to welcome her first baby. She was incredibly resilient and focused throughout her journey.
“I’m very grateful for Tania’s incredible support throughout my pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding journey. From the very start, she brought such calm, steady guidance. She was always prepared and seemed to know exactly what to do in each moment, which gave me so much reassurance. Her knowledge and experience were invaluable in helping me achieve the water birth I had hoped for — it truly would not have been possible without her.
My labour was long, but Tania was a constant, reassuring presence, right beside my partner and me the entire time. She expertly coached my breathing, kept me focused through every contraction, and offered unwavering encouragement exactly when I needed it. Even after the birth, her support continued into the postpartum period. She helped me through the early days of breastfeeding and made sure I felt cared for and supported during those emotional first weeks.
I’m so grateful to have had her by my side and wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a dedicated, compassionate, and skilled doula. I can’t imagine having done it without her.”
Niamh MacFadden’s natural birth with no pain relief
Niamh hoped for a vaginal birth without pain relief for her first baby. With preparation, trust, and the right support, she achieved what she described as her ‘dream birth’ at NUH.
“Having Tania’s support throughout my pregnancy, labour, and postpartum has been incredible. From the very beginning, she truly took the time to understand what I wanted from my birth experience — and she held that vision with me every step of the way. Because we were really able to place all of our trust and confidence in her, I’m lucky enough to say that I actually got my ideal labour. It was exactly the kind of birth I had hoped for, and I know that having Tania by our side made that possible. Thank you, Tania, for your knowledge, your calm guidance, and the unwavering support you gave both me and my husband through this unforgettable experience.”
FAQ’s for expectant parents on hiring a doula in Singapore
When should parents consider hiring a doula, and what should they look for?
“Anytime during pregnancy, but the earlier the better, as many doulas book up fast. Most of my clients reach out around the end of the first trimester or during the second trimester. If your due date is near the holiday season, I’d recommend contacting doulas as early as possible. Choose someone whose values align with yours and with whom you feel a genuine connection. Don’t hesitate to speak with a few doulas before deciding. The right one will feel like someone you can trust completely.”
HoneyKids Asia Tip: Check our Guide to Doulas in Singapore for more info!
What advice would you give to expecting mums who want a more empowered, positive birth experience?
“Start by learning your options again, knowledge is power! Ask questions and surround yourself with people you trust. Choose a care team that makes you feel safe and supported, because that sense of security is what allows you to fully surrender to the birth process. Prepare physically, emotionally, and mentally. Then trust your body, trust your baby, and trust your instincts. With the right preparation and support, you can have a positive and empowering birth experience, no matter how it unfolds.”
Just for fun
Best snack after a long birth?
“For mum: Obviously a big, glorious sushi platter … making up for nine long months of waiting!
For dad: A well-earned glass of champagne… I’m French after all! Birth is a team sport.”
Birth playlist must-have song?
“Calming spa music and something upbeat to dance to. You’ll need both moods!”
Essential items every mum needs when in labour?
“A trusted support person, and silver nipple shields. So helpful in the early days of breastfeeding.”
Contact Tania
Reach Tania by email, visit her website or read more from her on Instagram.
