What is an Antenatal Doula?
Being pregnant can be tiring, especially in the last few weeks before birth. There are also mothers to be who are advised bedrest for medical reasons. This is where an Antenatal Doula can help. They assist in the home to keep things running smoothly, educate the mother in birth options (especially is she is unable to attend antenatal classes), and generally offer emotional and physical support to the mother and family.


What is a Birth Doula?
The idea of using a Doula is as old as the first woman in history that ever helped another woman through her labour and birth, probably working along side the Midwife. In the ancient Greek, the word Doula means woman servant—usually the main female servant in the Greek household who would also attend to the lady of the house during childbirth.
Today, a Birth Doula offers the same support to women throughout the pregnancy and birth experience. She helps with preparing the mother for the birth, informing her of the options available. She also attends the birth, creating a support team with the father or other birth partner, to help aim for the birth the mother hopes for.


What is a Postnatal Doula?
The days and weeks after giving birth can seem very daunting to all new mothers. Your days feel taken up with feeding, comforting and soothing your new baby, so where does the normal aspects of life fit in? This is where a postnatal doula can help. They can come and help you with tasks such as cleaning and cooking, helping with older siblings, and offering breastfeeding support which is vital in the first few weeks. Also, having someone to offer a supportive ear, listen to your feelings when most around you are cooing over the baby doesn’t sound like much, but can be extremely beneficial to all mothers.

How I as a Birth Doula can help you during birth…
* Doulas recognise that birth is normal and will be a lasting memory for you. I will strive to help you create a positive birth memory and help you prepare and accomplish your plans for the birth.
* Doulas will attend and be beneficial in all types of births: unmedicated ("natural"), medicated, and caesarean births, low-risk and high-risk alike. As your doula, I am independent from the hospital/NHS, being employed and work for you alone, and will tailor my services to your needs and desires.
* Doulas stay with you throughout labour and birth, as desired. Because of their various responsibilities for you & your baby, it is unlikely that the medical staff and midwives will be able to be with you 100% of the time. I, as your doula, will be offering a continuity of care and support throughout. Your feelings of safety and stability are important for the progress of your labour.
* Doulas are trained in many forms of support for pregnancy, birth and beyond. I provide informational, emotional, and physical support. I will provide comfort and relaxation techniques and alternatives. My view is objective; therefore, I will be a calm and trusting presence during your labour.
* Doulas provide NO clinical skills. I specialise in comfort and education for the family. My goal is to help you to have the best birth possible. As your doula, I will be there to serve you, and many medical professionals enjoy the help that I provide, as well.
* Doulas work as a member of the birthing team, complementing the support that your partner provides, while never taking their place. I support the father/birth partner while they support the mother. I am a trained professional and work as a team with those you've chosen to be present, support persons and medical staff.
* Doulas are knowledgeable of the labour process and medical procedures. I will communicate with you and your husband/birth partner and help you to understand the labour process and remind you what you are experiencing is normal.
* Doulas do not make decisions for clients. This is YOUR BIRTH, and my goal is to empower you to make the decisions that you think are best for you and your baby. My sole purpose is to support you 100%, and assist you in achieving the birth you desire.


What is the doula’s role if my husband/partner/mother/friend is going to be there to support me?
My job of being your doula is not to take the place of the father, nor any other chosen primary support person, but I can take some of the pressure off of him from feeling that he must do everything “just right” during your labour. I can also help to minimise some of his fears that may cross his mind during your labour and birth. I believe that it is very important for him to be as involved as the both of you would like. I complement the team that the two of you are, and this often draws the couple even closer. If the goal is for Dad to be very involved and “hands-on”, then I can encourage him and help him with good suggestions of ways to help you. I can also help if he needs a break, needs someone to get him a bite to eat, etc. If the plan is for him to be less involved, then I can step in according to what you’re comfortable with. My care for the mum and dad is very different for each couple depending upon their wishes; you will have “custom care”! The dad can often support you in some ways that I cannot. I am probably more knowledgeable of the birth process, medical procedures, and of various comfort measures, but he loves you like no one else can. No matter what level of support the two of you decide he will give, his support is important and cannot be duplicated. Dads and doulas work well together, helping each other to help mum; we do make a great team!

Are Doulas just for natural/homebirths?
Although doulas are on the whole advocates of natural birth, they are also trained for all types of birth, including medicated (e.g. epidural) or caesarean, and in all settings whether it be a hospital, birth centre and homebirth. No matter what decisions you make for your birth, I will support you.


Which hospitals do you cover?
I cover a wide location of hospitals in the South West including -
Royal United Hospital, Bath
St Michael's Hospital, Bristol
Southmead Hospital, Bristol
Weston General Hospital, Weston Super Mare
Taunton and Somerset Hospital, Taunton


I have more questions?
Feel free to email me or give me a call and I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.