Frequently asked questions

How is a doula different from a midwife?

Doula’s are trained professionals who provide physical and emotional support to families during labour and childbirth, as well as in the postnatal period. Their role is focused on offering comfort, information, and advocacy for the families well-being and preferences.

Midwives may engage in some similar activities as doula’s during pregnancy and labour, but their primary responsibilities include ensuring the stability of your and your baby's vital signs, evaluating your and your baby's condition, performing medical procedures, administering medications when needed, and actively participating in the baby's delivery process.

While they are knowledgeable about the birthing process, doulas do not have the medical training or authority to perform medical procedures, such as delivering a baby. Doula’s and midwives can complement each other exceptionally well to enable the best birth experience possible.

Do you also work as a postnatal doula?

Due to my commitment of supporting families as a Lactation Consultant, and my commitment as a birth doula, I do not have capacity to work as a postnatal doula too. If you are looking for a postnatal doula after your baby is born, I can signpost you to postnatal doula’s who cover your area.

When should I hire a doula?

The sooner, the better! I have capacity to take up to 2 clients a month, but tend to get booked up quite far in advance.

Generally, it's advisable to secure the services of a doula at the onset of your third trimester. I often suggest that you commence your search during the second trimester, engaging in conversations and interviews with a couple of doula’s to determine the best fit for you. It's essential to choose someone with whom you naturally connect, someone whose personality and support align with your unique needs.

If you identify as a planner or someone who frequently experiences anxiety, hiring a doula earlier in your pregnancy can prove especially beneficial. This early engagement allows you to build a strong and trusting relationship, feeling unconditionally supported as you navigate the emotional and mental challenges that may arise throughout your pregnancy.

What can I expect during my antenatal sessions with you?

We will meet for two antenatal preparation sessions in person or online. These are around 2 hours long.

The first session often includes:

• Hope and fears: your feelings and emotions about your pregnancy and the birth to come, previous experiences and expectations.

• The physiology of birth: how our bodies prepare for birth and what happens if birth is left undisturbed.

• Birth options: what different choices do you have? What are your rights? What is a risk factor?

• Writing your birth preferences: tailoring your environment, preparing for the unexpected, making your choices clear and what will make your birth a positive experience.

• Signs of labour: how to identify them? What comforting and coping methods could you try?

• What to buy for yourself and baby: my most useful tips on what can help make life easier and what to avoid.

  The second session often includes:

• Packing your labour bag: what you may need for yourself, your baby and any birth partner? 

• The 4th trimester: becoming a parent, newborn development and what early weeks with a baby may look like.

• Baby feeding: how to get it off to the best start, what to expect and what to watch out for

• Postnatal plan: who is in your support circle? how to set boundaries and where to get further support.

• How to look after your baby: nappy changing, umbilical cord, bathing, soothing and comforting techniques.

Will you replace my partner during birth?

Some people worry that a doula will replace the role of the birth partner, but in reality, the role is to complement and support them too.

My role as your doula is to enhance overall support, and this includes your birth partner. I have collaborated with lots of birth partners, each with unique experiences, but they all share a common skill: your birth partner knows you well. Even if they are uncertain about how to best support you during labour, they possess intimate knowledge of your fears, preferences, and desires.

My approach with your birth partner involves them every step of the way, with antenatal teaching, encouragement, providing guidance and suggestions as needed, reminding them to stay hydrated and take necessary breaks, and offering additional support. Even if your birth partner has prior experience witnessing childbirth, they still deserve reassurance in the knowledge that they are also being supported during this significant journey.

How will you support me during labour?

I work closely with a small group of doula's who share my core values. This means they can cover me in an emergency. You'll have an extra layer of support in case of any unforeseen circumstances- like severe illness.

Your well-being and peace of mind are my top priorities, and having a backup doula ensures that you will always have the support you need. If you do not want a back-up doula, that is totally your choice of course! It is still very unlikely for me to miss a birth. I haven’t yet in over 50 births.

What if I have a planned Caesarean or need an emergency Caesarean?

I can support you before, during, and after a Caesarean by providing information, helping with preparation, and offering emotional support. After the birth, I can assist with recovery and initiating feeding.

Can I still have a doula if I’m planning an epidural or other pain management?

Absolutely. I support all types of birth, including those that involve epidurals or other pain management options. I can provide support and information to help you make informed decisions about pain relief and help optimise positioning if you have limited mobility.

What are the benefits of having a doula?

Doula’s provide continuous emotional and physical support throughout the entire labour and childbirth process, offering comfort, reassurance, and advocacy for the birth preferences. They are a source of evidence-based information and can help parents make informed decisions about their birth plan. Doula’s can also assist in creating a calm and positive birthing environment, reducing stress and anxiety.

There is evidence to show that having a doula can mean:

Reduced risk of Caesarean birth † *.

Reduced risk of instrumental birth † *.

Reduced need for painkillers or epidural during birth † *.

Reduced rate of induction of labour † *.

Shorter labour †.

Increased parental satisfaction with the birth experience. †

Increased likelihood of initiating breastfeeding *.

Increased likelihood of successfully establishing breastfeeding & breastfeeding at 6 weeks *.

Lower incidence of depressive symptomatology †.

Improve equity and provide culturally responsive care#

* Brigstocke S. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, vol 24, no 2, 2014, pp 157-160 #Meghan A Bohren and Sarah Chapman Cochrane review † Hodnett ED, Gates S, Hofmeyr G, Sakala C. Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD003766. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub5 and Bohren MA, Hofmeyr GJ, Sakala C, Fukuzawa RK, Cuthbert A. Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2017, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD003766. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub6.

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