So what do we actually get from doula support?
Generally it works like this……we will meet up and discuss your ideas and beliefs for your experience and see if it seems like a good idea to work together…this initial consultation is free of charge. After deliberation if you decide to go ahead then I send you a small contract, we agree on on-call dates (usually 28 days) and you'll pay a deposit (£180 for home/£200 for hospital... for birth support) or booking fee (£80 for postnatal support). We will then meet up a couple of times to get to know each other and work on your plans for birth or postnatal support (while we're waiting we can be in touch as much as you like). For the 4 weeks on-call I will be available 24 hrs a day to be with you for the big event.
During labour the doula is able to offer help and suggestions on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement and positioning. The doula can also encourage the father to participate in the birth to a level at which he feels comfortable. The doula's most important role is to provide nurturing, continuous support and reassurance.
After the birth I leave you when it seems appropriate usually after the first breastfeed and a little clearing up!! I will then visit once or twice postnatally to talk through the birth and help out in any way I can. If we are working together postnatally we will have arranged days and times etc in advance - often a few hours a day, a few days a week for around 6 weeks.
The remainder of the birth fee is £200 for home and £250 for hospital, payable after. The extra postnatal support fee is £15 per hour payable weekly. I work with another very reputable doula in a backup role and she does the same for me in the event of broken legs etc there will still be someone for you. Cost should never be an issue and something can always be arranged if you feel it needs to be.