If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.
– Dr. John H. Kennell.

A Doula… recognises that women have the power to birth from within and assists the mother in re-connecting to and accessing her own “Mother Nature”. A Doula also provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective and informed viewpoint as well as assistance in getting the information that is needed so that empowered decisions can be made throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

Rosalia Pihlajasaari

English-Speaking Doula Services in Helsinki

Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum Support

Pregnancy, birth and becoming a parent are profound life transitions. Having someone beside you who is experienced in birth, who listens without judgement and who can offer calm, practical and emotional support can make a meaningful difference.

I am Rosalia, an experienced pregnancy, birth and postpartum doula and childbirth companion, supporting families in Helsinki and throughout Southern Finland.

I have been accompanying families as a doula since 2003. My approach is grounded in experience, education, deep listening and respect for each person’s individual birth choices.

I offer my services primarily in English and Italian, with limited Finnish.

Looking for an English-speaking doula in Helsinki? Let’s meet and see whether we are the right fit for one another.

Book a free discovery call →

What Is a Doula?

A doula is a trained birth companion who provides continuous emotional, physical and informational support during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period.

A doula does not replace your midwife or doctor. Instead, I work alongside your medical team and your chosen birth companions, offering a different kind of support: time, presence, continuity and personalised care.

My role is not to tell you how to give birth.
It is to help you understand your options, prepare for the experience ahead, discover what matters to you and feel supported whatever path your birth takes.

Pregnancy Support

Our relationship begins during pregnancy, giving us time to get to know one another and explore what you need from your birth support.

Prenatal doula support can include:

  • Talking through your hopes, wishes and concerns about birth
  • Exploring your birth intentions and preferences
  • Preparing emotionally and practically for labour
  • Discussing different birth scenarios and possible interventions
  • Learning comfort and coping techniques
  • Preparing your partner for their role
  • Exploring ways to create a calm and supportive birth environment
  • Helping you find reliable information so you can make informed choices
  • Preparing for the transition into parenthood

Pregnancy can bring excitement, uncertainty, vulnerability and many questions. My role is to offer a safe space where all of these can be explored.

Birth & Labour Support

When labour begins, I am there to provide continuous support according to the arrangements we have made together.
Every birth is different. Some births unfold according to your original intentions, while others take an unexpected direction.
My role is to remain a calm and familiar presence throughout.

Depending on what you need, support during labour may include:

  • Emotional reassurance and encouragement
  • Physical comfort measures
  • Breathing and relaxation techniques
  • Position changes and movement
  • Massage and other comfort measures
  • Rebozo techniques
  • Helping you and your partner stay grounded
  • Creating a calm atmosphere
  • Helping you understand information and choices
  • Supporting communication with your birth team
  • Encouraging your partner and helping them feel confident in their role
  • Remaining with you through changes in your birth plans

I do not make decisions for you or speak on your behalf unless you specifically ask me to.
Instead, I help you stay connected to your own knowledge, preferences and choices.

Support for Partners

Your partner does not become less important when you hire a doula.
Quite the opposite.
A doula can help take away the pressure of feeling that your partner needs to know exactly what to do throughout labour.
I can offer your partner reassurance, practical suggestions and encouragement, while giving them the space to remain emotionally connected to you.

Together, we can explore:

  • How your partner would like to support you
  • Comfort measures they can use
  • What to expect during labour
  • How they can advocate for your wishes
  • How to recognise when you may need additional support
  • How they can look after themselves during a long labour

My aim is for your partner to feel included, informed and supported, rather than replaced.

Postpartum Doula Support

Birth is not the end of the journey. It is the beginning of another major transition.
The first days and weeks with a new baby can be beautiful, overwhelming, exhausting and transformative—all at once.
Postpartum support can provide you with a little more space to recover, rest, learn and find your own way as a new family.

Depending on your needs, I can offer:

  • Emotional support after birth
  • Practical support during the early postpartum period
  • Space to talk through your birth experience
  • Support as you adjust to parenthood
  • Breastfeeding and early feeding support
  • Newborn care guidance
  • Support for partners
  • Help with practical tasks
  • Gentle encouragement to rest and recover
  • Referrals to other appropriate professionals when needed

There is no single way to become a parent. I am here to support your family rather than impose a particular philosophy of parenting.

My Approach to Birth

I believe that preparation is not about trying to control birth.
It is about becoming informed, developing confidence, understanding your choices and discovering what helps you feel safe and supported.
Birth can be physiological, medical, straightforward, complex, joyful, challenging—or a combination of all of these.
Whatever your circumstances, you deserve respectful support.
My approach brings together my many years of experience as a doula with my training in childbirth education, holistic practices and other approaches to pregnancy, birth and postpartum wellbeing.

I meet each family where they are.

An Experienced Birth Companion

I have been working as a doula since 2003, and my training and experience have developed over many years and across different countries and birth settings.
My professional background includes extensive training and experience in pregnancy, birth, postpartum care, breastfeeding, childbirth education, bereavement and holistic approaches to wellbeing.
This experience allows me to offer something that cannot be learned from a single course: the ability to remain present and grounded when birth does not go according to plan.

I continue to learn and develop my practice because birth work is a lifelong journey.

Supporting International Families in Finland

Giving birth in another country can bring an additional layer of uncertainty.
You may have questions about the Finnish maternity system, communication, your choices during birth, hospital procedures or simply what to expect.
As an internationally trained and experienced birth professional living and working in Finland, I can offer continuity and support as you prepare for birth here.
My services are available primarily in English and Italian, with limited Finnish.

If you are an international family preparing to give birth in Helsinki or Southern Finland, you are very welcome.

Where I Offer Doula Support

I am based in Helsinki and offer doula support in Helsinki and throughout Southern Finland, depending on availability and travel arrangements.

This can include families in areas such as:

Helsinki • Espoo • Vantaa • Sipoo • Porvo • Hyvinkää • Lahti • Kotka • Tampere • Turku

If you are outside these areas, please contact me. We can discuss what may be possible.

My Doula Package

My doula care is designed to provide continuity from pregnancy through birth and into the postpartum period.
Your package can include prenatal meetings, preparation for birth, on-call availability around your estimated due date, continuous labour and birth support, and postpartum follow-up.

The exact support we arrange depends on your individual needs.

View current services and pricing →

Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum Are Your Journey

There is no perfect birth.
There is no single correct way to become a parent.
And there is no way to predict exactly how your birth will unfold.

What I can offer is a steady, experienced presence beside you.
Someone who has seen many different births.
Someone who will listen.
Someone who can help you prepare.
Someone who will support your choices without judgement.
And someone who can stay beside you when the unexpected happens.

If this kind of support feels right for you, I would love to meet you.

Let’s Talk About Your Birth

Book a free discovery call and tell me a little about yourself, your pregnancy and what you are looking for.
We can talk about your hopes, questions and concerns and see whether we are a good fit.

Book a free discovery call →

Or contact me to ask about availability →

More information

For more information about Doulas in Finland please visit www.suomendoulat.fi