FAQ
What is a doula?
A doula supports women and families through labor and birth, and/or after they have had their baby.
The word doula comes from the ancient Greeks meaning "Woman's Servant."
Birth Doula
A birth doula will keep you informed and equipped with knowledge during your pregnancy, and help you to prepare for birth the way YOU want it to be.
They'll be fully invested in your comfort, safety and empowerment. They will be there to protect your wishes and hopes for your birth and gently cheer you on as you bring your baby earth-side.
Postnatal Doula
A postnatal doula will take loving care of you and your family in the weeks after baby arrives.
With a mix of emotional and practical support, they’ll do their best to make sure the experience is easeful and rewarding. From signposting for support with things like breastfeeding / bottle feeding to postpartum healing.
They are their to listen when you need to talk and sometimes can offer to cook nutritious meals and help with household chores to make sure you are able to have time for yourself and your new baby.
What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?
A doula and a midwife offer different types of services, even though both may support the childbirth experience.
Midwives have medical training and during the birth process, focus on delivering a healthy baby.
Doulas, on the other hand, focus on the needs of the mother, offering mental, physical, and emotional support.
How will you know my plans for birth?
We will meet and discuss your thoughts and feelings around labour and birth. You can let me know how you would like your birth to be, what's in your birth plan, or if you haven't made a birth plan, we can look at this together. It's also fine not to have a birth plan at all. We can look at options available and I can provide information for you if you have any unanswered questions.
How will hiring you affect my partner’s role during the birth?
My role as doula is to support the entire family. This means your birth partner can go to the bathroom, grab a bite to eat, or if birthing is particularly long, even take a nap without worrying about leaving you to labour alone. It means your birth partner can fully participate in the birth whatever level you are most comfortable. I am there for you and your birth partner. I can take the pictures, massage your back, fetch water, make a tea and deal with any other tasks that may come up.
As your doula, I tend to the details, leaving you free to focus on what’s really important to you.
Does a doula make decisions on my behalf?
No. I will know your wishes and be there to advocate these for you. I can make sure the midwives know your wishes and how you feel about certain things and I can ensure that everything possible is being done to make sure these are fulfilled. If your plans change during birth, I am there to support you with this and to make sure your wishes are known.
Will you be there after the birth of my baby?
Once your baby has arrived safely I will make sure you are comfortable and that you and your birth partner have everything you need to enjoy the first few hours with your baby. I will check in with you in the days following your birth and depending on the circumstances we may have made a plan to see each other once you are home.
Is a doula worth the money?
There can be huge benefits to having a doula.
Firstly, because they will be with you all the way through your pregnancy and labour. That means you get to know them well, which can be very reassuring – especially if your maternity service can’t provide the same continuity.
Doulas can also provide continuous support during labour and birth.
Research has found that continuous support during labour and birth is beneficial for women and for their babies.
Doulas have also been shown to yield good results for vulnerable women or women who need more culturally sensitive support. So if that’s relevant to you, it might be worth seriously considering a doula as an option.