Supporting Positive Birth Experience

What is a Doula?

In this case a Doula is a name given to one who provides physical and emotional support during pregnancy, labour and during the first days of parenthood. A Doula enables you to make informed decisions in regards to your care and treatment, providing up-to-date information without bias or judgement.

A Doula is not a clinical practitioner, and will not give advice or carry out examinations or medical interventions. The role is one of nurturing care and empowerment, responding to your individual needs with compassion and empathy. A Doula works to help you approach labour with confidence and find satisfaction in the journey from pregnancy to parenthood.

A Doula does not replace the midwife or any medical staff that may be present, neither is she there to replace your partner. A Doula aims to work in partnership with all those who have come to care for you or have responsibility for your health and well-being.

The Birth Doula

A Birth Doula will support you during your labour and birth whether you have chosen to do so at home, within a hospital or in a birth centre. In keeping with the central concept of individualised care a Doula will provide appropriate support whether there is medical intervention at this stage or not. No two births, or two women are the same and a Doula will be flexible in her approach to each new situation.

You will have time to discuss your hopes and your concerns with your Doula before your due date and time to consider any birth preferences you have.

The Doula allows you to relax and go with the flow of labour, meeting the challenge of birth without fear. A Doula is committed to helping you achieve a positive birth experience.

The Postnatal Doula

A Postnatal Doula looks to provide support for your new family in the early days following the birth. The service is flexible as it responds to your individual needs. This may be affected by factors such as the type of birth experienced, whether this is the first baby in the family, or if you are breastfeeding.

There should be time for a new family to bond and get to know one another, time that the modern world does not always make allowances for. A Doula will look to take some of the pressure off you so you can enjoy your new baby, which may include some practical housework. She can also be a trusted presence to watch over baby while you take a rest or enjoy a bath or perhaps provide some intensive support with breastfeeding.