Is having a doula worth it?

I mean, I am biased.. but yes! So much so that I hired a doula for my second birth (before I was one myself.) My job is so rewarding because I regularly get to witness the benefits of continuity of care from a friendly face, and the  positive impact it has on my clients and their birth experiences. I've even written a blog on this exact topic which you can read here.  It's not just that day or so of labour either, where doula support really shines is that ongoing support through pregnancy, and those hours/days of virtual support during early labour that can be so hard to navigate without someone in your corner. For me doula support wasn't a luxury, it was a necessity, and exactly what I needed to welcome my daughter into the world feeling strong, well supported and confident. Head to my testimonials page to see what my previous clients have to say. 

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Does a doula replace a midwife?

A doula and a midwife are very different roles. A midwife provides clinical expertise and can do things like give pain medication, take bloods, do vaginal examinations etc, whereas a doula is not typically medically trained and takes care of your emotional wellbeing, and can provide physical comfort measures and support to help you through labour, advocate for your wishes, as well as informational support should you need it. If you are choosing to birth at hospital you would have a midwife and a doula present, and if you were choosing to birth at home you would usually have two midwives and a doula present. Some families choose to freebirth (ie birth in the absence of medical professionals) in which case a midwife may not be present, and they may hire a doula to support them. 

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Do doulas advocate at births? 

I can't speak for everyone, but for me a big part of my role is amplifying the voice of my client and ensuring that she feels heard and her wishes are being respected. This is always done with the utmost respect for the birth space, and although sometimes assertiveness is called for, I always make sure the environment remains calm and focussed around my client and her needs. 

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What is the difference between a doula and an independent midwife?

An independent midwife is a midwife who practices outside of the NHS, but still can do clinical tasks and screening, whereas a doula provides emotional, physical and informational support but cannot does not fulfil any clinical role. Both provide an extremely valuable but different service. If it is an independent midwife you are looking for, I can highly recommend midwife Amie, who covers Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire. 

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Do you only support home births?

Although I specialise in home birth and physiological birth, I support families to birth wherever they feel safest. Home birth isn't right for everyone, and neither is hospital birth. However I will say that if your aim is to avoid a surgical birth, the place that is most likely to happen... is at home. Find out more about Home Birth support here. 

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What areas do you cover?

As a doula I cover anywhere within an hour of Toton Nottingham. This includes Beeston, Toton, Chilwell, Attenborough, Bramcote, Nottingham city, Wollaton, Stapleford, Long Eaton, Sandiacre, West Bridgford, Ruddington, Mapperley, Arnold, Keyworth, East Leake, Castle Donington, Ilkeston, Breaston, Borrowash, Ockbrook, Littleover, Mickleover, Allestree, Duffield and Derby

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Do doulas improve outcomes and reduce chances of caesarean birth? 

Statistically yes! There are several studies that confirmed that doula support does indeed reduce the chance of birth interventions. As a doula, I can't guarantee any particular outcome, but I can guarantee that I will steadfastly support you, and can optimise conditions in order to help facilitate a physiological birth, if that's what you are planning. 

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What happens if my birth doesn't go to plan?

This is a great question! As a doula I am there, whatever happens. So for example, in the event of a home birth that transfers into hospital, I will travel alongside you and meet you at hospital and continue your support there. I think there is a misconception that doulas are only useful in an unmedicated straightforward birth, but I have to say, having someone calm by your side, when things don't go to plan and become difficult or medically complicated, is even more valuable. 

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How long can a doula work for? 

All of us are different and have our own boundaries around this question. For me I have a rough limit of about 24 hours, but will need breaks (and potentially a sleep) within this time frame. My clients and I discuss antenatally when the best time to call me out is, to try and lower the risk of me being present to early, and when that does happen, I usually nip home and then come back when I'm needed. I've got very good at knowing when I need a rest/break - a tired, burnt out doula is no good to anyone! ​

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Will having a doula replace my partner? 

No not at all. In fact, I've had some wonderful feedback from lot's of the birth partners I have supported over the years. I am not there to take over or replace them, instead to support them to be able to be present for you in the way they want, without having to worry about outside noise. Sometimes partners take more of the physical support role, while I am taking care of logistics/advocacy, sometimes it's the other way around, and sometimes we end up both doing a bit of both. The other great thing, is that having a doula means partners can actually get some rest if needed, knowing you still have trusted support with you. This means they can be better rested and able to support you for the remainder of the birth and into postpartum. In a home birth, I normally take care of all the birth pool logistics and do a big tidy up before I leave, meaning your partner can stay with you and focus on bonding and settling in with your new family member. 
 

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