So, what is a doula, and why would you need one?

Today's mother is generally not given the chance to enjoy her pregnancy, labour and new baby because of the pressures that society places upon her.

"Doula" (pronounced "doola") is a Greek word meaning "woman servant or caregiver". It now refers to an experienced woman who offers emotional and practical support to a woman (or couple) before, during and after childbirth. A doula believes in ‘mothering the mother’ – enabling the expectant mother to get the best out of the birth experience. A doula’s presence can allow the father to relax too and enjoy the birth experience.

Birth doulas are trained and experienced in childbirth, I have had two children and two very different birth experiences. They have a good knowledge and awareness of female physiology BUT the doula is not supporting the mother in a clinical role - that is the job of the midwife/medical staff. A doula is not a replacement midwife, but a complement to the role of the midwife. And whilst a long labour might mean two or more midwives attend a mother, the doula is there for the duration.

Postnatal doulas work flexible hours to suit the family, offering practical and emotional support to the new mother and father in the home following the birth of baby. Western cultures rush new mothers back into normal day to day activity. In many cultures women are confined to bed and rest for a period of up to forty days. This may be impossible in our society but with the help of a postnatal doula, a mother can enjoy some of the benefits of a prolonged "lying in" period. This will help her bond with her baby and spend extra time with any older siblings

What does a Doula do?

My role as your birth doula is going to be unique as every woman’s labour & birth is unique. My role as your Doula is to give you the knowledge and support that will empower you to have a really positive birthing exerience. Feeling safe, secure and nurtured will help your body labour and ultimatly give birth in the best possible way for you. 


This is what I will endeavour to give you:

Before Childbirth I will meet with you twice before the birth and possibly more if necessary. I will also be available by phone and email for you; from the time you retain me.  From 38 – 42 weeks, I will be on 24-hour call ready to be with you when labour is underway. We will go through a birth plan together and make sure you are prepared for the birth, so that I can be sure of offering the best support to you during labour.

During Labour I can offer help and suggestions on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement and positioning. And encourage the father to participate in the birth to a level at which he feels comfortable. The doula's most important role is to provide nurturing, continuous support and reassurance.

After childbirth I will visit with you once after the birth, around a week or so after delivery. If you require my services as a postnatal doula, that can be discussed separately. I would work a minimum of two hours per day for a minimum of two days per week. Evening hours are available if necessary.


Why is there a need for Doulas?

Birth used to take place in the home, with the support of the female members of the family, and a later on, a midwife. As the majority of births now take place in hospital, with restrictions on how you can labour and with whom. That element of continuous, loving support has been lost.  Midwives do an amazing job, often looking after several women at a time in labour.  However, I am more than happy to support a woman having a home birth.

A doula is not a replacement for a midwife, but a complement to allow the midwife to concentrate on the clinical role of delivering he baby, while the doula is the emotional support.

Nowadays many women feel that they have to be in hospital to give birth to their baby where it is much more likely that a birth will be medically managed and intervention methods, such as caesarean section or forceps, will be used.

RESEARCH has shown that having a doula present at a birth can help with the following;

• Increased satisfaction with childbirth
• Fewer complications and interventions
• Shorter labour
• Reduced pain relief
• Caesarean rates reduced by 50%
• More success with breastfeeding
• 60% reduction in epidural requests
• 40% reduction in forceps deliveries
• 30% reduction in analgesia use