If you’re a regular viewer of Canadian or American comedies, dramas and sitcoms, you may have heard the idea of a ‘doula’ bandied about when a key character gets pregnant.
In the UK, doulas are becoming increasingly popular too, and it seems many parents know of a parent who either knows a doula or knows of a mum who has used one.
So what is a doula and how do you decide whether you need one?
What is a Doula?
A doula provides emotional and practical support to expectant parents, both before, during and after the birth of your child. They can support women during pregnancy, labour, birth, and in the early months of parenthood, helping them to feel empowered.
“Doulas are available privately for families who do not meet the criteria for a free doula.”
– Kalcey Davies, Doula
What Does A Doula Do?
A doula might be involved to support the parents at any or all of the three stages of being pregnant (antenatal), giving birth and having a baby to look after (postnatal).
You can hire a doula to help you prepare for when your baby arrives. They might give you practical advice including what equipment to buy, as well as help you and your partner prepare emotionally. You can also have a doula present when you give birth, whether that’s at home or in a hospital. You might also want a doula in the months following childbirth when you have a newborn to look after, again to support you emotionally and practically with areas like feeding.
Check out this handy guide from the NCT (National Childbirth Trust) on the difference between birth doulas and postnatal doulas, as well as some of the more commonly asked questions about doulas.
“Doulas are meant to advocate for the mother and probably are best used to optimise a natural birth. However, with so many variables in birth it’s hard for any professional to predict birth outcomes. Doulas can still play a very supportive role if the birth situation changes, e.g. induction or more medical management is needed. I think it can be calming to still have the doula there even if the birth isn’t going to plan.”
– Rachael Kuik, Physiotherapist
Why Might I Hire a Doula?
You might want someone there to personally support you as you prepare for the birth of your child who has experience of what that looks like. Getting to know someone really well as you prepare to become parents can be incredibly reassuring.
Or you might want an extra pair of hands and support in the delivery room as well as your birth partner and the midwife on shift. A doula can help advocate for you during labour and birth.
People might also consider hiring a postnatal doula to help with the transition to parenthood.
“We’ve all heard the phrase ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ but more often than not, we don’t have a village ready and able to help us on our doorstep. A postnatal doula can provide that support; emotional and practical – cooking nutritious meals, holding the baby while you take a nap or have a shower, playing with older siblings and being a non judgemental ear for the highs and lows.”
– Caitlin Birling, Hypnobirthing Instructor
What are the Benefits of Using a Doula?
Doulas can give you continuity, both before, during and after the birth of your child. Accessing the same healthcare professional throughout your pregnancy journey can give you peace of mind. Depending on where you live in the UK, you may find maternity services are less able to provide continuity, so having a doula gives that extra support that you may need.
Having continuous support during birth and labour has benefits for both babies and mothers according to research.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends continuous support for women during childbirth.”
– Kalcey Davies, Doula
Do I Need a Doula?
A doula can be there to support you emotionally and physically, and help be your voice during labour and birth.
Maternity services are stretched in many areas and there is evidence that birth trauma is becoming more normal. So birth preparation like NHS antenatal courses, NCT courses, hypnobirthing and the use of doulas can really help.
“I think more people are considering working with a doula as they recognise the importance of continuity of care in improving outcomes for birthing people. Sadly the idea of seeing the same midwife throughout your pregnancy and birth is incredibly rare [in some areas of the UK] due to staff shortages and stretched services so a doula can provide this, as well as being someone who can advocate for your wishes during birth.”
– Caitlin Birling, Hypnobirthing Instructor
Of course you can also ask a parent, sister or trusted friend to be with you in the delivery room if that makes you feel more comfortable.
Women who are more vulnerable may also benefit from the support of a doula.
“I believe that mothers who have experienced trauma during previous births should also be assigned a doula. Doulas are experienced in birth, understanding how birth can psychologically affect mothers and their babies afterwards. Doulas help mothers feel safe in labour so I feel it is essential that all vulnerable mothers who do not have a support system should be offered a doula.”
–Kalcey Davies, Doula
Why do Parents use Doulas?
Parents want support, and choice. A doula can provide this, complementing and extending the role of the traditional midwife.
Did you know that, according to one expert, doulas in Canada are really commonplace? If you get pregnant in Canada, hiring a doula is something parents would expect to do just as you would buy a car seat and cot.
“I’m not a doula myself but know plenty of them and am fiercely passionate about supporting pregnant people to feel confident in their choices when it comes to their birth.”
– Caitlin Birling, Hypnobirthing Instructor
How Do I Find a Doula?
Check out the Doula UK website to find a doula near you.
You can also go through the NCT (National Childbirth Trust) website to find an NCT Doula. All these doulas have all done a 9-month accredited course.
Remember that some doulas will offer their services without training, so make sure you ask them about training before you employ them!
“It’s always best to interview any potential doulas and get one that is experienced. Also check that the hospital allows them to your labour. Some doulas offer postpartum packages, which is also a good time to reach out for help and assistance.”
– Rachael Kuik, Physiotherapist
How Much Does a Doula Cost?
It depends on your circumstances, exactly what and how long you wish to employ a doula for. The Doula UK website has comprehensive information.
NCT Doulas vary in price depending on their location and experience. They also have an option to employ a student doula at a reduced rate.
If you don’t have a birthing partner to support you when you give birth, you can look at the charity Birth Companions. Birth Companions can give some women in the community or in specific circumstances (such as prison) access to a doula at a nominal rate.
Here’s an American doula website: https://www.bernadettesdoulaservices.com/
Here’s an UK doula’s website: www.jofarren.co.uk/birth
With many thanks to our experts:
- Caitlin Birley, Hypnobirthing Instructor, @BudsBirthing
- Kalcey Davies, Doula for the charity Elayos
- Rachael Kuik, Physiotherapist, Lidder Therapies
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