Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the emergence of the doula profession in Italy. Doulas represent a new occupational group that offers emotional and practical support to pregnant women and new mothers. Moving from ecological and bourdesian approachs the contribution aims at showing how doulas are trying to affirm their jurisdiction and define their occupational field struggling with the occupational field of midwives. The paper illustrates also why the doula profession can be defined a social-relational care profession.