FAQs

Research has shown that birth outcomes are better when a doula is present because she can help to make a labouring mother feel safe and supported which enables the natural process of spontaneous birth to take place. Your doula will explain this process in more detail during your antenatal visits.

Details of this research can be found in The Doula Book by M.H. Klaus, MD, H. Kennell, MD and P.H. Klaus , CSW, MFT.

No, a doula is not medically trained. A doula’s primary role is to continuously support a mother in labour, attending to her practical comfort and emotional needs.

A doula is not a replacement for anyone but an additional support. If a partner/father is present a doula will also help and support them, guiding them to help ease the course of labour for their partner and allowing them a break from time to time.

Yes, having a doula is not an alternative to pain relief. A labouring mother will still need the help and support of a doula after an epidural or other pain relief, as they progress to their baby’s birth.

Yes, different hospitals have different policies of the number of persons allowed to attend a C-section birth. Often a mother is allowed two additional adults with her, it is her choice if she wishes ones of those people to be her doula. You will need to check the hospital policy before planning this.

It is wonderful to have the support of a birth partner. A doula can give support to your birth partner too, which can be much needed after often long hours in labour. A doula can help and guide your birth partner in ways to give you comfort as you labour. A doula can reassure a birth partner as labour can be unpredictable and confusing for those who are close to you. A doula can allow your birth partner to take breaks and have a short nap, which can be really needed, from time to time.

No. It is not the doula’s role to take anyone’s place during the birth process. A doula will also support and guide your husband in helping you cope with your labour. A doula can enable your husband to take short breaks for food, toilet or a nap, without feeling he has abandoned you.

Yes, a doula can be a vital support especially if you are a single mum, A doula can provide emotional support as well as physical comfort throughout your preparation, labour and birth. It can be really helpful to have someone to chat through concerns, make plans with and give you information about your birth options. A doula can do this with you.
A post-natal doula is a great source of help and reassurance in the early weeks of learning to look after your baby.

The cost will depend on your choice of birth package or hours of postnatal doula help. Our prices are listed on ‘our services’ page. If you want to discuss prices please get in touch, there may be ways to help those on lower incomes who still wish to have the services of a doula.

No, these are two different things. Antenatal classes are a great idea and we highly recommend attending them. The aim of those is to give general information surrounding birth and child care and the chance to meet other families expecting a baby in your area.
A birth doula is concerned with just you and your family, helping you to shape your own birth preferences, and think through all the information you may have received at your antenatal class. Your doula will be contactable throughout your pregnancy, should you have concerns and questions. You will then receive her full attention once your labour is underway, supporting you physically and emotionally. She will also be able to support your family at this time too and will stay with you until your baby is born and you and your family are settled.

Our birth package allows for two antenatal visits and up to two postnatal visits. If you feel further visits are required then please get in touch to discuss this with us.

Your doula will arrive as soon as you call her, this can vary from family to family (obviously allowing for journey time). There is no ‘right time’ to call her, it is when you feel you need her support that you should call.

Usually for an hour or so, depending on circumstances. Once you are comfortable with your new baby and have settled a little after the birth, your doula will usually say goodbye.