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What is a doula?
A doula is a lay person who provides emotional and practical support to pregnant women, new mothers and their partners and families during the time around childbirth. She is chosen by the mother/parents-to-be, and acts to protect their memories of their birth experience and assist in their transition to parenthood.
The essence of the doula is to be rather than to do. She may offer suggestions and resources for further information but does not give advice, undertake any clinical tasks or make any medical decisions. She may facilitate communication between the mother or parents and other caregivers.
While many doulas are also trained in complementary medicine/therapies that focus on pregnancy and birth, such additional skills are by no means essential to the role of the doula. Some doula services are offered on a voluntary basis eg. for women in prison.
What is a birth doula?
The simple presence of a trusted female attendant during labour can help the mother to feel safe, enhancing her confidence in her body and her abilities to engage with the natural birth process.
The birth doula acts to protect the birth environment from disturbance so that the mother may focus on birthing her baby gently and safely. Her role equally involves supporting the mother’s partner to participate in the labour at his/her own level of comfort.
The birth doula meets with the mother-to-be or couple several times during pregnancy to learn about their plans in preparation for the birth of their baby. She encourages the mother to reflect on any previous difficult birth experience so as to better understand any lingering fears.
Offering her continuous presence, some assistance with positioning and relaxation if required and a gentle reminder of any choices that the woman may have noted in her birthplan, the birth doula will stay with the mother throughout labour until the birth of her baby.
What is a postnatal doula?
The postnatal period is the start of a new era in the mother and her family’s life. It is a special and rare time, a time
to remember and treasure. Yet this period also places new demands on the mother when she needs the opportunity to rest, recuperate and adjust to her new life situation. |
The postnatal doula works in a flexible way to meet the changing needs of the whole family. She takes time to listen to the mother’s birth story, to offer positive suggestions, to support with the feeding and care of the newborn baby. She may also help out with siblings, prepare occasional meals and undertake other light household tasks. |
The postnatal doula nurtures the mother, enhancing her confidence and encouraging her to enjoy the precious early days with her new baby.
What does it cost?
Different doulas charge different amounts and there is currently no regulation or recommended amount. On average its likely your birth doula may charge you between £300 - £500 - or your postnatal doula between £10 - £20 - if she's at the beginning of her journey she may charge expenses only. There are doulas who always charge expenses only. Most doulas will offer payment plans and sliding scales.
How do I get a doula then?
Speak to as many doulas as you can and find out how they work, how much they cost and if you connect with them.
What do health professionals like doctors and midwives think of doulas?
Generally most people caring for the birthing family want them to feel supported and cared for by someone that they know. Someone who has faith in them and the process and can follow them through the entire journey - through pregnancy, birth and the early days. Mostly our healthcare system isn't set up to provide this kind of continuity so in the main our maternity care teams are in favour of families being able to access this support via the doula.
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FAQ