Doulas/Giving birth in other countries

Hi! I’m from the UK and here all babies are delivered by medically trained midwives and prenatal and postnatal care too (doctors coming in with any issues of course). I feel that midwives are great as they provide a great combination of the medical knowledge and support factor, at hospital, at home, water births or whatever.

I just wanted to know what the role of doulas involved (particularly in the US) because I’ve seen various comments and don’t know much about what they do (especially when it comes to the the differences between doulas and doctors when giving birth). This is my main question.

I would love know more from those who know better than me! 😁 Are they paid? Medically trained? How do you find one? Are there differences in different states? All the details. I’m very interested!

So I welcome comments from everyone who knows the role, has been a doula or used one.

I would also love to know about any other birthing practices/options/customs from any country. How do ladies give birth in other countries? Doctor-led? Midwives? At home? Pain relief options?

I don’t want to be ignorant on an app with a mainly American users (and users all around the world) and I’m here to learn so please be nice. This is genuine curiosity.