Frequently Asked Questions
You might want to think of a doula as a "well-informed friend", a birth doula doesn't tell you what to do. A doula will meet you antenatally and offer continued support. We surround you with unconditional positive regard and support you in making decisions that are right for your birth. We signpost, we research, we listen and we support. We are not
How will hiring you affect my partner’s role during the birth?
As your doula, I am there to support you and your partner, it is my goal to ensure you both feel heard and supported through labour and birth. I can explain what's happening in the room and work with them so they feel included in the birth. I can help your partner help you, show techniques that will help them connect with what you need and be able to allow them some time to have a biological break without leaving you alone. We become a supportive team for you.
What kind of births does a doula support?
I love this question because I get to tell you how much I adore midwives. They are incredibly talented women that have my respect. A midwife is a medically trained professional, whose focus is on ensuring the safety of you and your baby in the birthing room. They have hospital policies to guide their work and often have large caseloads of women to support. During birth, a midwife has paperwork, cervical checks, and medications and assists by holding your baby as you birth them. A doula typically only supports one birth at a time and you meet the same doula throughout your journey. In the birthing room your doula will be looking after your holistic wellbeing; fetching freshwater, using massage and affirmation, they offer reassurance to you and your partner.
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Midwives and doulas go together like biscuits and tea.
What are your interactions with medical staff like?
Respectful and honest. As someone who is an oxytocin enthusiast, I work hard to create a sense of harmony in the room. Your wishes and your birth are my priority and I am very capable of hearing what your wishing are and creating space for you to consider your options.
What is a Birth Doula?
What is the difference between a midwife and a doula?
Do you perform any physical examinations?
No, that's not my place in the birth room. A doula isn't there to act as a medical professional, I am there to support you. I have techniques that help with labour pain, focus on you and supply you may choose to use. I can help with massage and physical support too!
Why should I have a doula?
There is evidence to show that having a doula can mean: • Reduced risk of Caesarean birth • Reduced risk of instrumental birth • Reduced need for painkillers or epidural during birth • Reduced rate of induction of labour • Shorter labour † • Increased parental satisfaction with the birth experience • Increased likelihood of initiating breastfeeding • Increased likelihood of successfully establishing breastfeeding & breastfeeding at 6 weeks
A birth doula supports all birth, in all environments. At home, in birth centres, on wards, consultant lead care and Cesarian births are all supported by doulas. Some doulas have specialities such as being a baby loss specialist, Cesarian birth or working with neurodivergent parents.