Frequently Asked Questions
What is a doula?
A doula is a trained professional who supports women and birthing people and their ​partners and families before, during and after birth. We offer practical and emotional support and provide a consistent presence, listening ear, and signpost you to up-to-date information. We support the whole family without judgement and mold to individual circumstances, from home-birth to planned caesarean section. And after the birth we can be by your side to support you in becoming the parent you want to be.
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What's the difference between a doula and a midwife?
A midwife is a medically trained caregiver who performs clinical tasks and examinations. A doula is a non-medical role, offering emotional and practical support to the mother and her family. She does not offer any medical advice, but can signpost you to reliable resources as needed.
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Are doulas employed by the NHS?
No - doulas are self-employed professionals, hired by families to give them the tailored support they need. At the time of booking both parties sign a contract with a deposit, with the balance to be paid before the "on call" period starts. Some charities exist to offer free and low-cost doula support, such as
Doulas Without Borders and the Doula UK Access Fund.
​\Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you need financial support or alternative ways to pay.
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Will my partner feel less involved if I have a doula?
Doulas are there to support the whole family! We work as a team with birth partners, grandparents, and anyone else supporting you, and can be involved as much or as little and in whichever ways you prefer. Many partners report feeling more involved in the birth and care of their baby when they have this additional support available, and someone with whom to share the feelings of responsibility.
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What is included in birth support?
-2-3 ante-natal sessions with you and your birth partner (if you have one) to talk through stages of labour, your preferences, comfort measures, and postnatal care. These can incorporate medical appointments if you wish.
- a bespoke movement and breathwork session to support your comfort and mobility before, during and after labour
- for those who want my presence during their birth, my on call period begins from 38 weeks. I will be with you within 2 hours and stay with you throughout your labour and birth
- unlimited text and phone support throughout pregnancy and early postpartum
- access to my library
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What is included in postnatal support?
- taking care of baby (or babies!) so you have time to rest and recover
- support with feeding your baby
--emotional support for both parents, including holding space to debrief the birth experience
- spending time with older siblings
- preparation of light meals
- light housework so that you can spend time with your baby
- company once your partner returns to work
- accompanying you to medical appointments
- movement/exercise guidance and massage
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When does postnatal doula support end?
When you no longer need me - my job is to gradually make myself irrelevant! Packages range from 3 hours to 3 months and can be tailored to your family's needs.
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What happens in Closing the Bones? What do you mean by ritual?​
Closing the Bones is a form of bodywork that is specifically designed for physical, emotional and energetic rejuvenation after giving birth. The massage consists of rocking in fabric hammocks (also known as rebozos), an abdominal massage (specially tailored for postpartum healing if you have recently given birth), and finally a period of rest while swaddled in the rebozos. When the rebozos are untied, many people describe a sense of rebirth in their emotions and energy.
A ritual is simply an opportunity to set an intention for sustained healing and wellbeing beyond the time and place of the massage. This can be a helpful way of bringing a transformative experience (such as birth, but not limited to this) to a close with a sense of clarity and honouring. We design the ritual together, so it is tailored to your preferences and intentions. It could include music (recorded, singing or drumming), poetry or other words of affirmation, or creating an altar or special place in your home to display items that are meaningful to you. There is also a version of the ritual that can involve your family and friends, perhaps as part of a postnatal mother blessing ceremony.
My teacher Sophie Messager has a wonderful page explaining the Closing the Bones ritual:
https://sophiemessager.com/what-is-closing-the-bones/
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Where does Closing the Bones come from?
​Versions of postpartum swaddling exist in the history of many cultures, on every continent. My practice stems from a lineage from Ecuador and Mexico; for this reason I use rebozos handmade in Mexico and ethically traded in order to show respect and direct resources to the communities who have kept the traditions alive over the centuries. It has been further developed in collaboration with an osteopath, to incorporate additional healing techniques.​
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