Answers to all your questions as you build out your birth team.
For a start… what even is a doula? How is it different to a midwife? What are the benefits to working with a doula? And how exactly does this arrangement work?
FAQs
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What is a doula and how is it different to a midwife?
A doula provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to expectant parents throughout their childbirth journey. Focusing on emotional well-being, doulas guide and advocate for parents' preferences during birth. The idea of a birth companion isn't new—in fact, it's an age-old tradition. Doulas don't replace your birth partner; they simply provide extra support and guidance to everyone involved.
Midwives oversee the clinical aspects of pregnancy and childbirth, monitoring health and managing labor progress.
Both contribute to a positive birth experience, prioritising families' needs.
As a doula, I offer:
→Prenatal guidance: Informational support and creating birth preferences
→Labor support: Adaptable emotional, practical, and informational assistance
→Postnatal care: Easing the transition to parenthood and reflecting on the birth experience
Working alongside medical professionals, (without assuming any clinical responsibilities), doulas enhance the birth experience by supporting and empowering both parents, ensuring the best possible care during this transformative time.
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What are the benefits in working with a doula?
There is a growing body of evidence to show that having a doula can mean:
→ Reduced risk of Caesarean birth or 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 and of successfully establishing breastfeeding and breastfeeding at 6 weeks
→Lower incidence of depressive symptomatology
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How do doula services work exactly?
First, we’ll meet up for a coffee to ensure we're a good match. You can engage my services at any point in your pregnancy, typically starting around 20 weeks. Once you choose the package that suits your needs and budget, we'll schedule appointments and maintain regular contact via text or phone. As things progress nearer to the end of your pregnancy there will be frequent text check-ins and phone calls, if you wish. I can be as involved, or on stand-by — as much or as little as your require as the weeks go on.
From 38 weeks, I'll be on call 24/7 to support you during labour at home or in the hospital. I will stay with you throughout the labour and won’t leave until you are happy and tucked up with your baby and a cup of tea.
Postnatally, I'll visit you for pre-booked sessions tailored to your specific needs, providing emotional and practical support as you navigate life with your newborn. My flexible approach ensures you receive the most nourishing care to set you up for long-term success. I'm here to support you with empathy and without judgment. You know yourself and your children better than anyone, and I'm here to help you tap into that inner wisdom.
