What is a Doula?
“Doula” comes from the Greek word for a female servant. We offer the timeless, essential support that women and birthing people need, but which can often be undervalued or in short supply in contemporary society:
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The information and environment they need to hear their own instincts, move at their own pace, and make their own, informed decisions about their birth, their baby, and their parenting.
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Recent research has shown that doula support results in:
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Increased feelings of positivity around birth
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Shorter labour
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Higher likelihood of vaginal birth
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Lower rates of epidural
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Lower rates of postnatal depression
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Higher rates of breastfeeding
​A doula provides support to birthing people and their families before, during and after birth. We provide a consistent presence, listening ear, and source of up-to-date information. We support the whole family without judgement and mold to individual circumstances.
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Single parents may have a doula as their birth partner. A doula can also support birth partners to feel more involved; we do not “take the place” of a birth partner unless this is specifically agreed. We are there to support everyone in the family to step into their new roles in their own way.
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During pregnancy, my support could include:
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Planning for birth
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Planning for the postnatal period
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Supporting partners to feel confident in their role
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Comfort measures for pregnancy
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Discussing exercise and movement routines
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Talking through past experiences of pregnancy and birth
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Talking through fears and different outcomes
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Connecting you to resources and information
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Supporting you to make decisions you feel good about
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Processing changes of plan
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Unlimited calls and messages
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Lending/recommending books, videos and other resources
During birth, my support could include:
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On call from 38 weeks, I will aim to arrive within 60 minutes of you calling me
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Coming to you wherever you need me, at any stage of labour (for example, supporting you at home and while travelling if you’re planning a birth at hospital/birth centre)
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Consistent presence throughout labour
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Comfort measures such as massage and movement support
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Supporting birth partners to feel included and confident
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Sharing care of older children
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Supporting and gathering information for decision-making
Postnatal support could include:
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Debriefing your birth experience
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Support feeding (breast and/or bottle)
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Connecting you with information and support groups
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Helping partners define and feel confident about their role
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Taking care of the baby so you can rest and take care of yourself
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Creating an exercise/movement menu that is tailored to your body and needs
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Supporting you with nappy changing and dressing/bathing the baby
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Making meals, snacks and drinks
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Light housework
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Entertaining toddlers and helping with the school run/homework
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Food shopping and other errands
The Royal College of Midwives supports the choice to engage the services of a doula to provide emotional, physical, practical and social support to the mother/birthing person and her/their family. A doula does not provide medical or clinical support and should not be used as a substitute for a midwife.
