The Support Offered by a Menopause Doula

What is a Menopause Doula?

The menopause journey is one of change, identity, and transition. Just as birth doulas support women through childbirth, menopause doulas walk alongside women as they transition into the next stage of life — with empathy, knowledge, and calm reassurance.

Key Points:

   •   A Menopause Doula offers non-medical, holistic support.

   •   Focuses on empowerment, education, and emotional well-being.

   •   Bridges the gap between medical advice and personal experience.

   •   Promotes self-awareness and body confidence.

The 3 Pillars of Doula Support

Emotional Support

   •   Active listening without judgment.

   •   Providing reassurance and validation: “You are not alone.”

   •   Helping clients explore their feelings around aging, identity, and relationships.

   •   Creating a safe, confidential space for expression.

   •   Recognising when to refer for mental health support.

Example:

Client: “I feel like I’m losing who I am.”

Doula: “That’s a powerful feeling — can you tell me what’s been changing for you lately?”

Educational Support

   •   Sharing accurate, up-to-date information on menopause stages and symptoms.

   •   Helping clients understand the effects of hormonal changes.

   •   Providing resources on nutrition, exercise, sleep, and self-care.

   •   Explaining options for medical and natural symptom management (without prescribing).

   •   Encouraging clients to make informed decisions and ask questions in medical settings.

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Tools:

   •   Symptom trackers

   •   Menopause journals

   •   Lifestyle planners

   •   Reliable health resources

Practical & Holistic Support

   •   Introducing holistic approaches: mindfulness, breathwork, herbal remedies, gentle

        exercise.

   •   Suggesting daily self-care rituals (journaling, relaxation, affirmations).

   •   Supporting household adjustments (temperature, rest time, family communication).

   •   Helping clients prepare questions for GP or specialist appointments.

   •   Offering partner/family education sessions to build understanding and empathy.

Boundaries & Advocacy

A Menopause Doula:

   •   Does not diagnose or prescribe medication.

   •   Works alongside healthcare professionals.

   •   Encourages clients to seek medical advice when appropriate.

   •   Keeps confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

Advocacy in action:

   •   Encouraging women to speak up about symptoms in GP visits.

   •   Helping them prepare notes or symptom logs.

   •   Supporting equitable care for underrepresented or misunderstood groups.

Case Scenarios & Reflection

Example Scenarios:

1. A woman feels anxious and overwhelmed after her GP dismisses her

            symptoms.

            2.         A client’s partner doesn’t understand her mood changes.

            3.         A woman struggles with body image and intimacy concerns.

Prompt Questions:

   •   How could a Menopause Doula support her emotionally and practically?

   •   What resources or strategies might you suggest?

   •   When would you refer her to a healthcare professional?

Think about how Doulas can empower rather than rescue — the goal is to help clients reclaim control.

Key Takeaways:

   •   Menopause Doulas walk beside their clients, offering knowledge, empathy, and 

       encouragement.

   •   Support is emotional, educational, and practical — always within professional

        boundaries.

   •   Empowerment, not dependence, is the goal.

   •   Every woman’s journey is unique — the Doula listens, adapts, and supports accordingly.

Think about: “What kind of support do you wish every woman could have during menopause?”

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