Why is there a need for doulas? 

As childbirth has moved from home to hospital, a vital element of care has been lost from the whole process. Gone are the days where a woman would have continuous support from one carer throughout her labour. It used to be the case that the womenfolk within the immediate and extended family (mothers/sisters/grandmother etc...) would be on hand to provide the nurturing role for the new mother, to guide by experience and help with the practicalities that need to be performed before, during and after a woman gives birth to a baby. 
Later the concept of the community midwife developed, but due to lack of resources, this service is steadily declining in many areas. 
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; 

* Shortens first-time labour by an average of 2 hours 
* Decreases the chance of caesarean section by 51% 
* Decreases the need for pain medication by 36% 
* Reduces need for forceps delivery by 57% 
* Helps fathers participate with confidence 
* Increases success in breastfeeding 

Findings from "Mothering the Mother" 
Klaus, Kennell & Klaus, 1993.

How long would I need a doula for?


I offer support during pregnancy to individuals. After the birth, a doula usually supports the mother in the first few weeks, for a couple of hours each day.
The help she gives varies from client to client – from gaining confidence in bathing the baby, to providing a listening ear for the mother who may want to discuss her experience of giving birth.

Does a doula come to my home when I'm in labour? 

This would be entirely up to you. Most women prefer their doula to meet them at their home and stay with them whilst they labour until it is time to go to the hospital. They often find comfort in having the doula travel to hospital with them


What is the difference between a postnatal doula and a maternity nurse? 
The role of a postnatal doula is to help and support a new mother through her postnatal period and to nurture the family. Unlike a maternity nurse, a doula’s focus is not solely on the baby, but on supporting the mother and family. The doula is as available to the partner and any older children as to the mother and the baby. Treating the family as a unit that is connected and always changing enables doulas to do their job: nurture the family.

What’s the difference between a doula and a midwife?


No! A doula does not perform any clinical or medical procedures. A doula is there to support you through your labour and birth and to help you know and understand your birth choices
A midwife is a trained medical professional. They attend to the delivery and can assess fetal heart rates, check cervical dilation watch for and treat complications of birth and give medical advice. doulas do not perform a medical service and are not employed by a hospital or work for an NHS Trust.  A doula specialises purely in the wellbeing of the mother. A Doula will  be available at the birth and are therefore on-call for a whole month around the due date. They will stay with the mother for as long as needed; there are no shift changes for a doula!

Doulas and Epidurals: Is a doula only interested in supporting me if I plan to give birth without medication?

There is a common myth that doulas are only for women attempting to give birth without drugs or medical intervention. Nothing could be further from the truth. Whilst we are trained to view childbirth as a natural and normal process we are not all die hard natural childbirth fans and are aware that there is a time and a place for medical intervention.
We are there to provide emotional, physical and informational support. Women who receive medication during childbirth need all of these things and in some situations even more so than a woman who chooses to avoid medication. 
Doulas want every woman to have a positive and empowering experience. For some women that means giving birth with as little intervention as possible, for others it is not even a consideration for personal or practical reasons. 
We do not push our opinions and philosophies onto our clients. We provide information so they can make informed decisions. Our job is to support those choices whatever they may be. We will not decide for you and should not provide biased information. 
We are not interested in making martyrs out of our mothers. We want you to have the best birth experience possible with the healthiest outcome.

Do doulas only take clients who want to have a natural un-medicated labour and birth?

No, a doula is there to support her clients’ wishes, whatever they may be

What is a postnatal doula’s goal? 

The goal of a doula is to nurture the mother into her new role. As the new mother experiences success and her knowledge and self-confidence grows, her need for professional support should diminish. The doula also supports partners and the rest of the family. 


How does a doula nurture a mother into her role? 
Self-confidence has a tremendous impact on a person’s ability to approach any task, and parenting is no different. Doulas always consider parents’ feelings and always build confidence whenever possible. Doulas accomplish this through praise, acceptance and a non-judgmental approach to providing support and information. 
The doula will help a mother develop strategies and skills that will improve her ability to bond with and take care of her baby. A calm baby who is growing well will help a mother to feel more confident in her skills. 


Do doulas help mothers to deal with postnatal depression? 
Unlike therapists or psychiatrists, doulas do not treat postnatal depression. However, a doula can help by creating a safe emotionally secure place for the mother. The doula will provide a cushioning effect by accepting and supporting the mother within each stage that she passes through. A doula relieves some of the pressure on the new mother by helping her move into her new mothering role gradually. A doula makes sure that the mother feels nurtured and cared for, as well as making sure she is eating well and getting enough sleep.

Who employs a doula?

Or better yet; who deserves a postnatal doula? You and every woman who has just given birth deserves to be cared for. You deserve time to spend exclusively with your new child, and time to rest and recuperate, without household chores on your mind. A sympathetic ear from a caring professional is also helpful. All sorts of people, you can’t really generalise. From first time mums who have heard of the concept and think this would benefit her. Women who already have one or more children and often her experience wasn’t good and she wants the support of a doula for the next time. This is particularly true for women who had a caesarean (planned or emergency) and who would like to have a vaginal birth (VBAC) this time. Single mothers and mothers who’s partner does not want to or is unable to attend the birth. Of course doulas can’t wave a magic wand but statistics and medical research have demonstrated the real benefit of having a doula. 

When should I begin to look for a postnatal doula? 

Between the 4th and 6th month is an ideal time to interview with your prospective doula. This allows you to focus on your birth, feeling secure in the knowledge that you have help in place for the first few weeks, after your baby is born. Any time right up to your ninth month is a fine time to call, please remember a postnatal doula's schedule can fill up months in advance.

Does a doula attend my birth if I have a caesarean section?

A doula will be by your side during labour, if a c-section is needed. Depending on the hospital, the doula can join you and your partner in the operating theater. If not, she can be there for you in recovery to assist with breastfeeding. Although the doula isn’t there to replace your birthing partner sometimes a birthing partner doesn’t wish to be present during the c-section for whatever reason, so the doula is happy to support you in the theatre also should a birthing partner not wish to be present.

What if I'm having a planned caesarean or an unplanned caesarean section?

Whether you are having a planned caesarean or an unplanned one a doula can support both you and your partner through this sometimes scary and very emotional time.
Since most doulas have had the opportunity of experiencing caesarean sections at one time or another, she will be able to explain to you and your partner what to expect and help you prepare mentally for it.

How do you schedule when a delivery is uncertain?

We consider two weeks before and after your due date when making assignments.  If you are designated as high-risk for premature labor, we will consider at least three weeks prior to your due date.

Does a doula perform medical tasks? 

A doula is not there to take the place of the healthcare team. Primary care providers are responsible for the medical health needs of the mother and baby. A doula helps ensure that the mother’s non-medical needs are also met. Doulas do not perform any medical or clinical procedures. A doula provides constant care throughout the entire labour and birth, and for several hours immediately following the birth. doulas act as a liaison with the medical staff, but do not make decisions for the mother.

This is such a private time for my family, how can I be sure I will feel comfortable with a doula? 

Interview any doulas you are interested in, then call their past clients for references. Postnatal doulas work in many different homes in the course of a year. It becomes second nature to 'fit in' with many different styles of families.

I already have children, and am confident in my baby skills, how can a postnatal doula help me? 

Siblings need extra attention while you get to know your new child. Your doula will put together simple meals and perform light chores, such as, empty the dishwasher and fill your freezer for starters. They will also help you sort out the challenges a new family member can bring.

Do doulas teach a particular parenting approach?


No. doulas support a mothers’ parenting approach. Doulas are good listeners and encourage mothers to develop their own philosophies. 


How do postnatal doulas work with a mother’s partner? 
A doula respects the partner’s role and input, and supports the development of skills that will help the partner nurture the baby and mother. The doula will facilitate the partner in his or her role in the early weeks which will have a dramatic positive effect on the whole family.