What does a Birth doula do?

My personal motto is that there is a doula for every mother! The services offered by each doula vary greatly according to the needs of the mother-to-be/parents-to-be. A doula's role has to be flexible to fit in with the given situation e.g. the type of support will differ for a first time mum to that of a woman who has children already. Every birth is unique and therefore every woman's experience is also unique.  

Generally most Birth doula's provide the following support:

Before Childbirth the doula will usually meet with the mother (or couple) at least once face to face, and then perhaps be available by phone or for additional meetings if necessary.

During Labour the doula is able to offer help and suggestions on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement and positioning. The doula can also encourage the father to participate in the birth to a level at which he feels comfortable. The doula's most important role is to provide nurturing, continuous support and reassurance.

After childbirth the doula may follow up with a couple of postnatal visits to help the new mum settle at home with her new baby, or alternatively, the mother may decide to employ a postnatal doula for a period of 6 - 8 weeks.

Sometimes this will mean that the mother employs a different doula to the one that attended the birth as not all birth doulas can offer extended postnatal support - to read more about Postnatal Doula's click here.

Barefoot Mummy's doula service

The first birth I supported was in 2005 & in November 2009 I attended training with Doula UK accredited trainer, Nurturing Birth. Since then I have provided doula services to families in hospitals, midwife led units and at home. I am also experienced in supporting mothers using water for labour & birth, and mothers who are also using Natal Hypnotherapy techniques. I am also quite passionate about mothers who will be experiencing caesarean sections being supported throughout the birth and offer a tailored package for those who have an elective/planned caesarean.

My Doula UK profile can be visited by following this link

Click here for full information on what is included in Barefoot Mummy's doula support packages.  

Want to know more about Birth Doula's?

Doula UK have a section dedicated to parents wanting to find out more about hiring a doula which has guidelines and even provides a list of questions you may wish to ask a prospective birth doula