Birth & Post-natal Support

A doula is someone who is specifically trained to support a woman/couple through their birth and post-natally if required.

There are many studies which show that women who have continuous labour support are less likely to have medical interventions during their labour and to have increased satisfaction with the childbirth experience.

As a doula I would meet with you a couple of times ante-natally, be on call for 2 weeks either side of your due date, and make one or two post-natal visits after the birth. You are also able to contact me whenever you feel you need to either by phone or email.

Most doula’s like myself are happy to support mothers wherever they give birth and can help to be your advocate regarding your birth plan in hospital, at home, or in a birthing centre.

The role of a doula, is to provide emotional and practical support to the mother not to act as a midwife or as a member of the medical team. A doula is very much there to guide and support the mother and help with the practicalities needed before, during and after a woman gives birth to her baby.

As a Post-natal doula (e. I do not see you ante-natally or support you through the birth), the role is slightly different and focuses much more on supporting the mother in emotional and practical ways, for example, cooking simple meals in the days following the birth, looking after other children, giving you time out to have a bath or a much needed nap knowing your baby is well cared for or spending time discussing the birth and sharing experiences. The aim is to help you develop your own mothering skills in a relaxed and stress-free manner. Doula’s are not nannies, cooks or cleaners, however we are realistic as to the support you may need and this can be discussed further at the initial interview.

With families split across towns, countries and even continents, a doula can provide that very much needed ‘family support’ to help you in your transition to motherhood and beyond.

If you’d like more information or to have an informal discussion about how I might be able to help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

More information can also be found from Doula UK – 0871 433 3103.
www.doula.org.uk