One question that I am regularly asked is, what is a doula?

A strange word perhaps in a world that expects only doctors, obstetricians and midwives to support women in birth.

A doula is a non-medical support person, there solely for the mother and birth partner in the lead up to birth, during the labour and birth and postnatally.

The main role of a doula is to make the client feel safe and supported. She brings continuity in a world where that can be rare. And of course as we know from studies done continuity brings so many benefits in physical and mental health for both the mother and baby.

A doula is most usually not a trained medical professional, although many midwives can and do offer doula services, they are there in a support role. Ensuring that one other familiar person holds the space for the birthing mother.

How can this look? Well, it can range from everything from finding and offering ice-chips, to ensuring that the mother fully understands the many birth options available to her. The doula can advocate for the mother, support her decisions, keep her on track during the birth process and know her well enough to aid in any changes in direction.

The doula can be the most powerful cheering team and equally the calm in the storm. Many also help with breastfeeding and advice post birth. A postnatal doula will even help with cooking and household chores for the start of life as a family.

Many are familiar with hypnobirthing or mindful birth techniques but perhaps their greatest skills come in being able to negotiate hospital policies and diffuse any moments of tension. My favourite story is of one doula passing around biscuits to reduce tension when mum felt that the midwife was asking too much, and the midwife felt that mum was not listening.

Doulas range in price from some hospitals offering a doula hardship fund for women who need extra support up £1000- £2000. Nearly all doulas offer terms of payment to make them more accessible for all women.
In my humble view however, they are worth their weight in gold. 💗

If you’d like to know more about doulas or follow some on Instagram then I would suggest starting with the following lovely lot:
@nurturing_birth
@doulawisdom
@doula_sarah
@abueladoula
@wandsworthdoula
@doulaheathertaylor
@doulauk