What are the benefits of having a Doula?

Research has shown that hiring a Doula can cut the chances of medical interventions such as inductions, epidurals, instrumental deliveries and caesareans by almost half. Women are less likely to request pain relief, tend to have shorter labours and a more positive outlook of their birthing experience. Of the women surveyed 67% of those supported by a doula were still breastfeeding at 6 months, this compares to a national average of just 7% at 3 months (the number still feeding at 6 months is negligible despite the recommendation from the department of health for women to exclusively breastfeed for at least this length of time).

Are Doulas medical professionals?

No. We provide emotional, practical and informational support to families. We do not perform clinical tasks, diagnose medical conditions or give medical advise. We have a good understanding of the childbirth process and try our best to keep our knowledge up to date but we will always refer you on to the appropriate information and / or medical professionals should the need arise.

What training do you have?

We each trained with Nurturing Birth, and completed our recognition with Doula UK but our training is ongoing. We learn and grow everyday, always take time to reflect on our practice and have access to a couple of very good doula community forums where we pool our knowledge and share our feelings and ideas. We regularly attend courses, workshops and study days on everything from breastfeeding to waterbirth and have had the opportunity to meet and listen to some of the worlds leading experts on childbirth and breastfeeding.

I'm planning a Hospital Birth can you still support me?

Yes of course. We're happy to support you wherever you choose to give birth, whether it's at a hospital, birth centre or at home.

Will you still meet me at home when I'm in labour?

Yes. Ideally we'll spend some time with you at your home trying out different comfort measures if needed before transferring anywhere but as always we are guided by your needs and wishes.

What about my partner, will you take his place? 

No. We aim to be as unobtrusive as possible and are there to support the family as a whole. We believe fathers should be as involved as you both feel comfortable with, sometimes this means that he wishes to be very hands on and at other times the father chooses not to be there at all. We meet with you both antenatally to discuss your expectations and preferences and to work out how best we can support you.

How many births do you take on?

We generally only take on one birth a month each with the occasional shared care between two of us.

Do you work with a back-up?

Yes. We work very closely and are always willing to back each other up should the need ever arise, it gives everyone peace of mind to know that all bases are covered 'just in case'.

What if we decide closer to the time that we no longer want a doula or we fail to call you in time for the birth?

It's always your choice who you have present at your birth, however as we really do take on the minimum number of clients per month we rely on the income from those bookings so we'd still need to be paid. The likelihood is we'd have had to turn away other work in that month in order to keep our availability open for you, so it's important that you make sure you're happy to go ahead before booking.

I've decided to have a caesarean, can a doula still help?

Yes. We believe all women deserve continuity of care regardless of how they birth their child. We are there to support you throughout your whole journey into parenthood not just at the birth. Although we are happy to support you in theatre should you so wish, most hospitals only allow one partner so you may decide you'd rather we waited in recovery for you with some yummy food and a camera instead.

Can you help me with breastfeeding?

Yes. We have each done further breastfeeding training and are able to support you through the most common breastfeeding issues and concerns should they arise. Having said that we're always aware of our own limitations and should you need more specialist support we would refer you on to the appropriate people.