What Is A Doula?
A Doula is a woman who offers both practical and emotional support for woman before, during and after the birth of their child. Doulas are not medically trained and should not replace the care given by your midwife, although they will have a wide experience of childbirth. Their main focus is to give the mother the extra support and reassurance she needs to get through the birth and the first few weeks after birth. There are two types of Doulas:
- the Birth Doula
- postnatal Doula
What Is A Birth Doula ?
A birth doulas role is to offer support to the mother during the birth by:
- helping to promote communication between the mother and the midwife
- offering suggestions and tips on breathing, positions during labour, and relaxation techniques.
- supporting/ encouraging the fathers role in the birth
What Is A Postnatal Doula?
A postnatal doulas role is to offer support to the mother and family during the weeks following birth by:
- helping the mother to settle at home with the new baby
- supporting the mother to establish a good breastfeeding regime
- help with attending to older children
- running errands
- taking the stress off the mother so she can bond with her child
How Much Do Doulas Cost ?
Generally you can look to pay a Birth Doula around £300- £600 and Postnatal Doula around £10.00- £15.00 per hour.
What Qualifications Should I Be Looking For When Choosing A Doula ?
There are many things to look at when choosing a Doula:
- experience
- whether they have attended the British Doulas Course
- are they happy to give you a reference
- whether or not you ‘click’ and feel comfortable with this person as they will be with you at one of the most important times of your life
What Hours Do Doulas Work?
On average a Doula would work a minimum of four hours a day and you can book them up for weeks or several months depending on your needs.
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