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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
