Frequently Asked Questions

The Oxford Dictionary defines a doula as:
A woman, typically without formal obstetric training, who is employed to provide guidance and support to a pregnant woman during labour.

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Unlike midwives, most doulas are not medically trained (although we know A LOT about birth!) which means that we don’t advise, we don’t tell you what you should or shouldn’t do.  We give you the information so that you can make the decisions for yourself.  We “signpost” to further information or to experts.  

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Some doulas are trained in breastfeeding and some have only basic breastfeeding training.  The same can be said for midwives.  In fact, most midwives, sadly, have very little training in breastfeeding.

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In addition to informational support, doulas provide continuous emotional and physical support in the same way that a midwife might have done years ago when they had less organisational, political and time constraints.
 

Research (ref: Doula UK) shows many benefits of doula support during pregnancy, birth and postnatally. These include:

• 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

A few years ago, when the Birthrights charity was launched, some research was undertaken to explore how people felt after birth.  What came through loud and clear was that it wasn’t how far a birth had deviated from the plan that impacted people and how satisfied they felt, it was whether they had been involved in the decision-making process. 

Chemistry is obviously important; I suggest that we meet (either in person or online) prior to making any final decision. This no obligation meeting will be free of charge and we will also use it to establish what level of support will suit you if you decide you want me to work with you.

• Offers complementary support to medical care for the physical changes experienced through the pregnancy such as oedema, varicose veins and musculoskeletal tension.

• Relaxation supports you emotionally and physically.

• Helps to enhance the positive aspects of pregnancy and your connection with the baby and with your changing body and emotions.

• Offers a time when you can voice concerns or fears which may not be overt.

• Appropriate self-care strategies can be an integral part of the bodywork.

• Helps promote postnatal recovery, facilitating the restoration of pre-pregnancy physiology, for example by supporting abdominal and pelvic floor toning, relieving back and shoulder aches, improving circulation and lymphatic flow and supporting energy levels.

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• May help prevent and provide support in cases of postnatal depression.

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• Touch may help in the birthing recovery process by helping relieve both physical and emotional stress and trauma, especially if the birth experience differed from your expectations.

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• Provides support for the emotional demands of early motherhood.

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• Is a chance to have time to yourself in a relaxed environment, giving space for rest.

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• Helps promote sleep, easing fatigue.

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• Offers support for breastfeeding.