What’s the deal with doulas?
So you’ve heard about doulas and the great work they do, but still not entirely sure what their role is? Here I’ve answered some of the most common questions when it comes to what you want to know about doulas.
What is a doula?
A doula is a woman who provides support, information and advocacy during pregnancy, labour and the post natal period.
During pregnancy, you will most likely meet with your doula twice in order to get to know her and build a relationship with her. This is your chance to relay your birth choices to her and talk over any concerns. She will then go “on call” from around 38 weeks and will be available 24/7 for when you go into labour.
During labour your doula will be present to provide emotional support, offer help and suggestions for comfort measures and be your advocate if needed if any difficult decisions present themselves.
Post-natally, your doula will provide emotional and practical support for the whole family as you adjust to life with a newborn. Some doulas will assist with learning to feed baby, cook for the family and assist with housework as you recover and bond with your baby. They will also give you an opportunity to talk over your birth.
Why should I hire a doula?
Up until relatively recently, women in labour would have been supported by other women in their village. These women would have comforted her, protected her birth space, taken on domestic tasks, taken care of any older children. That all changed when birth started to become more of a medicalised field. In the absence of our village of women, a doula is a fantastic alternative. There is ample evidence to show that having a doula present at your birth reduces the need for intervention, pain relief or induction. It can also shorten labour, increase your likelihood of establishing breastfeeding and reduce your risk of post partum depression.
Can a doula deliver my baby?
No, a doula is not a health care professional and cannot take on the role of a midwife. If you are planning a homebirth and would like a health care professional present, you can either request an NHS midwife to be present from your local trust or hire an independent midwife.
Can a doula come with me to the hospital?
Yes, you can absolutely hire a doula if you are planning a hospital birth. Or a midwife led unit birth. Or a homebirth. Or a freebirth. In fact, your doula can accompany you wherever you plan to birth.
How much does a doula cost?
Doulas are self employed and are paid directly by the clients that hire them. A doula’s fees will vary according to their experience, which area they work in and what services they provide. Bear in mind that your fee will have to cover the cost of them being on call solely for you for 3-4 weeks. If you are concerned about being able to afford a doula, look into potentially hiring a mentored doula or a “doula in training” who will have lower fees. Alternatively, get in touch with the doula you wish to hire to potentially discuss a payment plan or reduced fee which many doulas do offer. Or, when people ask if they can get you a gift for your new baby, ask for vouchers or money towards the cost of a doula.
How to choose a doula
There are several doula directories in the UK so do a quick google search to find one and search for a doula practising in your area. Most doulas will be willing to do a phone call or meeting to see if you are compatible. Ultimately, this woman will be supporting you in labour so you want somebody that you “click” with and whose views align with your own. Have a list of questions that you wish to ask and see how you get on. If you know somebody local to you who had a good experience with a doula, ask for their details.
When should I hire a doula?
Get in contact with a few doulas in your area as early on in your pregnancy as possible so that you are able to make a choice about which one to hire in plenty of time. You’ll also want time to read through their contract and get the legal side out of the way so that you can focus on your pregnancy and upcoming birth.
