FAQ

Please see below for some answers to commonly asked questions 

Benefits of a Doula for Birth

Continuous support research shows that having a doula present at a birth can:

  • Shorten first-time labour by an average of 2 hours
  • Decrease the chance of caesarean section by 50%
  • Decrease the chance of vacuum or forceps assisted delivery by 30%
  • Decrease the need for pain medication
  • Help partners participate with confidence
  • Increase success in breastfeeding
  • Decrease viewing their birth negatively by 33%           

No. Doulas offer both physical, emotional and informative signposting support and guidance to mum and birth partner through pregnancy, birth and beyond. Doulas are not medically trained and do not offer medical advice. 

Midwifes are medically trained health care professionals who are responsible for the medical and clinical tasks in pregnancy and childbirth to support mum and baby.

A Doula is a very personal choice. It is good to do some research and speak to a couple before you make your mind up, just as if you were checking your compatibility to a coach, personal trainer or counsellor.

You need to be able to build a rapport with this person and ultimately try and work out whether this person will be able to support you and your family in the way that you would like.

Some questions to ask yourself when speaking with doulas.

  • do I like them, do they listen to me well?
  • are they on the same page about pregnancy, birth and post birth ideals?
  • will they respect my wishes?
  • will I feel comfortable to spend time with this doula?

There are also the practical elements, do they have a DBS certificate, First Aid certificate,  Insurance and any form of training and experience for example?

No. A doula is not there to make your birth partner feel redundant. My hope is to take some of the emotional pressure and responsibility away from your birth partner and support them and to work together as a team to best support you in birthing your baby.

During our antenatal meetings we will discuss my role and how much involvement you would both like me to have. This is your special life moment and I will respect this.

I would always recommend that your birth partner attends our antenatal meetings or at least, the meeting on your birth plan so we can meet each other before the birth and build a rapport to provide a calm birth experience. It will also provide an opportunity for your partner to ask any questions or discuss any concerns they may have.