SOUP’S ON: “Soup Doula” Marisa Mendez Marthaller offers healthy soups for healing. (PHOTO: Courtesy Marisa Mendez Marthaller)

NEW YORK CITY—Doulas are trained professionals who provide pregnancy-related health services—but the role of the doula can include much more than that.
Marisa Mendez Marthaller has been a doula since 2018, and when COVID prevented her from being present with her clients, she tapped into her passion for cooking and helping people to find a special niche. She helps pregnant people—and anyone who needs support—feel better by cooking healthful soups.
Now, the self-described “soup doula” explains what lies behind her healing recipes.