What is a Doula?

Doula is a Greek word and has come to mean a woman experienced in childbirth, who provides continuous physical and informational support to the mother, during and after childbirth. A doula enables the woman to have the most satisfying and empowering time that she can during pregnancy, birth and the early days as a new mother. This type of support helps the whole family to relax and enjoy the experience.

Birth Doula:

A Birth Doula will meet with the woman and her partner at least twice during the pregnancy and attend the labour for as long as needed. She will also meet with the family postnatally. A doula can help with a home or hospital birth. By being there a doula can give the parents continuous support during the entire labour to achieve a positive outlook and memory of the birth. Research from "Mothering the Mother" Klaus, Kennell & Klaus, (1993) showed that having a doula supporting you during the birth process can lead to:

  • 25% shorter labour
  • 50% reduction of a caesarean
  • 60% reduction in epidural request
  • 30% reduction in analgesia use
  • 40% reduction in forceps delivery

Postnatal Doula:

There are many reasons why women feel overwhelmed with the new responsibility of parenthood. Extended families that once would have helped out are now far flung. The demands from employment may mean that family members are not readily available to be on hand, and mothers find themselves in a position where they have to juggle motherhood as well as being a wage earner much earlier than they had anticipated.

A doula works flexible hours to suit the family. They offer emotional and practical support to the new parents in their home, following the birth of the baby. Their work is about enabling a family to take care of itself. The doula offers encouragement and suggestions in a non-intrusive, non-judgemental way, as well as providing a supportive home environment so that the mother can develop her own mothering skills in a relaxed and stress-free manner. The mother will discuss with the doula what support she requires. Having a doula means that the mother can rest and heal, have reassurance and bond with her baby and maintain her relationships with any other older siblings. She is there to free you up, to do nothing except be with your baby, and your family, or take care of your baby whilst you catch up on some well earned sleep.

6 weeks after birth, mothers who had doulas were:

  • Less anxious and depressed
  • Had more confidence with baby
  • More satisfied with partner (71% vs 30%)
  • More likely to be breastfeeding (52% vs"9%)

*These statistics appear in “A Doula Makes the Difference” by Nugent in Mothering Magazine, March-April 1998.

When should you book a doula?

It is better to book a doula as early as possible in your pregnancy, to see if we are available around your due dates/or postnatally. See Doula Services and Prices

Please note
*The doula is not supporting the mother in a clinical role - that is the job of the midwife/medical staff (the doula is not medically trained).

*The doula is employed by the parents. The doula is responsible for her own tax and insurance and has her own public liability insurance.