Questions doulas are frequently asked (in alphabetical order)
Not necessarily. It is a matter of your requirements, her experience and affordability.
No. There are different types of doulas so it is a matter of finding the correct doula to suit you.
Male doulas are very rare but there are one or two.
Yes. They have had a lot of experience personally and/or in their work with certain specialisms.
Doulas are usually (but not always) women who have had children themselves, developed a passion through their own experience and then went onto train in the field. However, some set themselves up as doulas but have had NO formal training.
It varies on the hospital and situation but usually it is just one birth partner in theatre.
No. The only way to confirm your dilation is by having an internal vaginal examination given by a midwife or obstetrician. A doula cannot do this, however, she can get a good sense of your progress through spending time supporting you.
No. Each doula has her own skill set and it is important to ask about this at the interview.
This is totally up to the individual doula. Some do, some don’t. Please ask at the interview.
No
Only one London hospital at this time.
A doula and a private midwife perform different roles. Usually your doula would come to you first then once labour was establishing the midwife would join you. If you are planning a hospital birth, most midwives once in a hospital can no longer be your ‘midwife’ during active labour as your care has to be taken over by the hospital. It would be good to talk to both in detail about what they offer and decide from there.
Most doulas have had children themselves but not always.
Usually very positive but ask your midwife at your appointment.
This can vary based on the midwife’s experience with doulas but the doula can help if necessary by eliminating any unfamiliarity or awkward tension by being friendly and helpful.
Some doulas work in pairs but you will need to enquire further with the doulas themselves how this arrangement works and whether it would benefit you.
Yes, especially if you are extra nervous and/or planning to breastfeed. Check with your hospital (and documented in your notes) that your doula will have clearance to support you and your baby in recovery and on the ward no matter what time of day or night.
It can vary from £300 to £3,000 depending on experience and area within the UK.
Yes, as most hospitals will not administer an epidural until you are 4 cms! This can take a while, sometimes days. In addition, you may need to wait for an available anaesthetist so doula support is beneficial during this time and in early labour, as well as support through the pushing and hours following your birth.
It is helpful to have a doula a few hours a day or weeks to guide you through the early days and weeks with feeding, settling the baby, bathing the baby etc. Your mother will be a great support but she will not be up to date with the most recent guidelines and she may also need a break.
Having a birth partner can be a wonderful support, however, they tend to be emotionally attached to you and so it can be hard for them to see their loved one in pain. Also, as professionals, doulas are more knowledgeable about certain birth situations and experienced in responding to your needs.
Not as such but Doula UK is the closest body.
Assuming the baby is sleeping with her she will bring the baby into you and check you are feeding the baby well so it settles properly to give you more time to sleep.
It is a Greek word meaning female servant / caregiver.
Each doula makes her own personal arrangements in this situation, so a question to ask at the interview.
A qualified or recognised doula has gained sufficient experience as a trainee and their mentor feels they are ready to become qualified/recognised.
A trainee or mentored doula has completed a Doula Preparation Course and is being supported and supervised by their designated mentor.
A birth doula supports through pregnancy, labour and the following hours/days whilst a postnatal doula supports through the early weeks with a newborn at home.
A private midwife will take care of all your obstetric/medical requirements whilst a birth doula supports you and your partner’s emotional and practical needs.
There is no set time except doulas do get booked up. Some people book a doula within weeks of discovering they are pregnant, whilst others book just before the baby is due, however booking a doula around 20 weeks pregnant is an ideal time.
You will need to agree your requirements with your postnatal doula but generally, she will do most of the above plus supporting you and your new baby.
Questions doulas are frequently asked (in alphabetical order)
Not necessarily. It is a matter of your requirements, her experience and affordability.
No. There are different types of doulas so it is a matter of finding the correct doula to suit you.
Male doulas are very rare but there are one or two.
Yes. They have had a lot of experience personally and/or in their work with certain specialisms.
Doulas are usually (but not always) women who have had children themselves, developed a passion through their own experience and then went onto train in the field. However, some set themselves up as doulas but have had NO formal training.
It varies on the hospital and situation but usually it is just one birth partner in theatre.
No. The only way to confirm your dilation is by having an internal vaginal examination given by a midwife or obstetrician. A doula cannot do this, however, she can get a good sense of your progress through spending time supporting you.
No. Each doula has her own skill set and it is important to ask about this at the interview.
This is totally up to the individual doula. Some do, some don’t. Please ask at the interview.
No
Only one London hospital at this time.
A doula and a private midwife perform different roles. Usually your doula would come to you first then once labour was establishing the midwife would join you. If you are planning a hospital birth, most midwives once in a hospital can no longer be your ‘midwife’ during active labour as your care has to be taken over by the hospital. It would be good to talk to both in detail about what they offer and decide from there.
Most doulas have had children themselves but not always.
Usually very positive but ask your midwife at your appointment.
This can vary based on the midwife’s experience with doulas but the doula can help if necessary by eliminating any unfamiliarity or awkward tension by being friendly and helpful.
Some doulas work in pairs but you will need to enquire further with the doulas themselves how this arrangement works and whether it would benefit you.
Yes, especially if you are extra nervous and/or planning to breastfeed. Check with your hospital (and documented in your notes) that your doula will have clearance to support you and your baby in recovery and on the ward no matter what time of day or night.
It can vary from £300 to £3,000 depending on experience and area within the UK.
Yes, as most hospitals will not administer an epidural until you are 4 cms! This can take a while, sometimes days. In addition, you may need to wait for an available anaesthetist so doula support is beneficial during this time and in early labour, as well as support through the pushing and hours following your birth.
It is helpful to have a doula a few hours a day or weeks to guide you through the early days and weeks with feeding, settling the baby, bathing the baby etc. Your mother will be a great support but she will not be up to date with the most recent guidelines and she may also need a break.
Having a birth partner can be a wonderful support, however, they tend to be emotionally attached to you and so it can be hard for them to see their loved one in pain. Also, as professionals, doulas are more knowledgeable about certain birth situations and experienced in responding to your needs.
Not as such but Doula UK is the closest body.
Assuming the baby is sleeping with her she will bring the baby into you and check you are feeding the baby well so it settles properly to give you more time to sleep.
It is a Greek word meaning female servant / caregiver.
Each doula makes her own personal arrangements in this situation, so a question to ask at the interview.
A qualified doula has gained sufficient experience as a trainee and their mentor feels they are ready to become qualified.
A trainee doula has completed a Doula Preparation Course and is being supported and supervised by their designated mentor.
A birth doula supports through pregnancy, labour and the following hours/days whilst a postnatal doula supports through the early weeks with a newborn at home.
A private midwife will take care of all your obstetric/medical requirements whilst a birth doula supports you and your partner’s emotional and practical needs.
There is no set time except doulas do get booked up. Some people book a doula within weeks of discovering they are pregnant, whilst others book just before the baby is due, however booking a doula around 20 weeks pregnant is an ideal time.
You will need to agree your requirements with your postnatal doula but generally, she will do most of the above plus supporting you and your new baby.