A doula, pronounced “doo-la”, is someone who truly cares about you and your experience of birth and parenthood. A doula guides, supports and reassures women and their partners throughout the twists and turns of pregnancy and birth by providing consistent care. It is an intuitive job and while we are experienced and have a deep knowledge of the birth world we understand that there is no ‘one size fits all’ remedy.
why have a doula?
Women choose to have a doula for many reasons. It may be that they are anxious first-timers, a single parent or dealing with a previous trauma or loss. They may be new to our maternity systems here and need guidance or they may need practical advice and support for a homebirth. They may be planning a multiple birth or a vaginal birth after caesarean or it may be that they are far away from their own mother or sister or best friend and they just feel that they will want the support of another woman. Some women just like the idea of having a doula at hand and have heard from other mothers how valuable the support is.
It is evidenced that having the support of a doula can mean:
Reduced risk of Caesarean birth
Reduced risk of instrumental birth
Reduced need for painkillers or epidural during birth
Reduced rate of induction of labour
Shorter labour
Increased parental satisfaction with the birth experience
Increased likelihood of initiating breastfeeding
Increased likelihood of successfully establishing breastfeeding & breastfeeding at 6 weeks
Lower incidence of depressive symptomatology
This information on evidence is taken from the Doula UK website
how will a doula support you?
knowledge
Your doula will provide you with up-to-date information so you feel confident and calm in making choices for your birth. You can call, text, email and ask anything to your doula - every question is important - and they will point you in the direction of evidence-based answers and resources you will find helpful.
emotional
Your doula will be on your side throughout and is there to hold your space and be a listening ear. Your doula can be a strong voice reminding you that you have got this or they may gently remind you to breathe. Whatever happens in your journey your doula will be there to offer a reassuring hand or have a chat and laugh about it over a cup of tea.
physical
A doula will teach you practical tools for comfort in pregnancy and labour. She will know pressure point techniques and massage and positions to ease intensity in labour. She can sit quietly in the corner, be hands off and let you do your thing or she can offer only her reassuring voice. Your doula will help with the practical stuff too - birth pools, refreshments, essential oils - whatever you need you have an extra pair of hands to support you.
choosing your doula
When choosing a doula it’s a good idea to meet a few in your area to see if you have a natural connection with them. Choosing someone you feel comfortable and safe with is the most important thing. Knowing that you can be open and honest with your doula and knowing that they will have your back at every step will bring you an invaluable feeling of calmness and trust.
free consultation
If you think you like the sound of having a doula for your birth or postnatal recovery please get in touch. I offer a free consultation so we can get to know one another and discuss what it is you feel you need from a doula. Call me, email me or book here
