What is a doula?
A doula is someone (usually a woman and a parent themselves) who provides continuous support, comfort, help and guidance to a woman and her family throughout pregnancy, birth and those precious early weeks of parenting. Doulas are trained to offer sound, non-judgemental practical and emotional support and although not usually medically trained, will have a good knowledge of birth and the postnatal period knowing how best to support a woman and her family in all different situations and scenarios.
Doulas are very individual people. Some may be organised with a ‘business-like’ approach whilst others can be very peaceful with a laid back ‘go with the flow’ attitude. Equally there are those who are a mix of both. Some doulas may have strong leanings towards medicalised births whilst others lean towards home births. Therefore, it is vital to interview more than one doula and ask the correct questions at the interview stage to guarantee that your personalities and requirements fit.
Trainee or Qualified?
Trainee doula
A trainee doula (birth and postnatal) - after the doula preparation course is completed (this is run by various course providers) the doula is known as a trainee or mentored doula. The trainee doula will then begin to support families in birth and/or postnatally overseen by their designated mentor who is a very experienced doula. The trainee birth doula is expected to support differing birth situations whilst the trainee postnatal doula is expected to support a number of families postnatally. The trainee doula's clients need to complete various feedback questionnaires regarding the doula's work whilst the trainee doula has to write in-depth papers reflecting on the support they have given. The trainee doula's mentor provides support and supervision until they feel their mentee has gained sufficient experience to become a qualified doula but they do not attend the client. Trainee doulas tend to charge a lesser amount to reflect their experience and the area in which they live.
Qualified doula
A qualified doula (birth and postnatal) - after the trainee doula's mentoring period is complete the doula will be known as a qualified or recognised doula. This is an exciting time for both the doula and her mentor as the doula will then be able to ‘fly’ on her own. Both types of qualified doulas often go on to specialise in different areas of birth and postnatal depending on their interest and own experiences. Qualified doulas tend to charge a larger figure to reflect both their experience and the area in which they live.
What is a doula?
A doula is someone (usually a woman and a parent themselves) who provides continuous support, comfort, help and guidance to a woman and her family throughout pregnancy, birth and those precious early weeks of parenting. Doulas are trained to offer sound, non-judgemental practical and emotional support and although not usually medically trained, will have a good knowledge of birth and the postnatal period knowing how best to support a woman and her family in all different situations and scenarios.
Doulas are very individual people. Some may be organised with a ‘business-like’ approach whilst others can be very peaceful with a laid back ‘go with the flow’ attitude. Equally there are those who are a mix of both. Some doulas may have strong leanings towards medicalised births whilst others lean towards home births. Therefore, it is vital to interview more than one doula and ask the correct questions at the interview stage to guarantee that your personalities and requirements fit.
Trainee or Qualified?
Trainee doula
A trainee doula (birth and postnatal) - after the doula preparation course is completed (this is run by various course providers) the doula is known as a trainee or mentored doula. The trainee doula will then begin to support families in birth and/or postnatally overseen by their designated mentor who is a very experienced doula. The trainee birth doula is expected to support differing birth situations whilst the trainee postnatal doula is expected to support a number of families postnatally. The trainee doula's clients need to complete various feedback questionnaires regarding the doula's work whilst the trainee doula has to write in-depth papers reflecting on the support they have given. The trainee doula's mentor provides support and supervision until they feel their mentee has gained sufficient experience to become a qualified doula but they do not attend the client. Trainee doulas tend to charge less amounts to reflect their experience and the area in which they live.
Qualified doula
A qualified doula (birth and postnatal) - after the trainee doulas mentoring period is complete the doula will be known as a qualified or recognised doula. This is an exciting time for both the doula and her mentor as the doula will then be able to ‘fly’ on their own. Both types of qualified doulas often go on to specialise in different areas of birth and postnatal depending on their interest and own experiences. Qualified doulas tend to charge a larger figure to reflect both their experience and the area in which they live.
The Different Types of Doulas:
Birth doula
A birth doula offers practical and emotional support to you and your family before, during and shortly after your baby is born. Each doula has their own personal birth package depending on their experience and area of expertise but as a general guide once booked:
- You, your partner and your doula should meet a few times during pregnancy to get to know each other and to prepare for the birth.
- Your doula will be present with you both in early labour and staying throughout the birth however short or long.
- Your doula will assist with your first feed, nappy change, shower.
- Your doula will follow up with at least one postnatal visit.
In the run up to your birth your doula will help guide you through the NHS system, may offer to accompany you to appointments if you feel you need them there and can be very helpful in sourcing good quality, unbiased information for you when decisions need to be made. Your doula will provide antenatal sessions specific to you and your partner and assist in preparing your birth preferences. When you go into labour she will be there with you and your partner as a supportive and nurturing presence, she will be a pillar of strength when you most need it, offering coping techniques such as massage, breathing, relaxation and positioning. Your doula will remind you of the preparation that you made together and encourage you to achieve the birth that you had planned. Your doula is not there to replace your partner’s role at birth; rather enhance this role and instil confidence in your partner to participate at a level in which they feel comfortable. They are also your friendly, trusting face in the birthing room. After the birth, your doula will assist in protecting the bonding space of the ‘magic’ hour when the first feed occurs; early bonding is vital for the well-being of all. In the days after the birth, your doula will return to visit you and your partner to debrief your birth experience, follow up on feeding and ensure that you are settling in at home as a family.
Birth doulas are willing to support any type of birth you choose whether that is an elective c-section, epidural or pool birth. Some may specialise in certain areas such as VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean), home birth or multiple births. It is vital that you and your partner interview a doula/your shortlist of doulas before you begin working together as each will bring their own personality, experience and mix of skills to the role. Your relationship with your doula is of the utmost importance to your personal experience. Please refer to the individual doula to see if they offer their own additional specialist skills and services. Prices will vary according to the level of experience, support offered and the area of the United Kingdom in which you live but can range from £300 to £3,000 per birth package.
For tips and info on the right questions to ask your potential doula, please see this page
The Different Types of Doulas:
Birth doula
A birth doula offers practical and emotional support to you and your family before, during and shortly after your baby is born. Each doula has their own personal birth package depending on her experience and area of expertise but as a general guide once booked:
- You, your partner and your doula should meet a few times during pregnancy to get to know each other and to prepare for the birth.
- Your doula will be present with you both in early labour and staying throughout the birth however short or long.
- Your doula will assist with your first feed, nappy change, shower.
- Your doula will follow up with at least one postnatal visit.
In the run up to your birth your doula will help guide you through the NHS system, may offer to accompany you to appointments if you feel you need them there and can be very helpful in sourcing good quality, unbiased information for you when decisions need to be made. Your doula will provide antenatal sessions specific to you and your partner and assist in preparing your birth preferences. When you go into labour she will be there with you and your partner as a supportive and nurturing presence, she will be a pillar of strength when you most need it, offering coping techniques such as massage, breathing, relaxation and positioning. Your doula will remind you of the preparation that you made together and encourage you to achieve the birth that you had planned. Your doula is not there to replace your partner’s role at birth; rather enhance this role and instil confidence in your partner to participate at a level in which they feel comfortable. They are also your friendly, trusting face in the birthing room. After the birth, your doula will assist in protecting the bonding space of the ‘magic’ hour when the first feed occurs; early bonding is vital for the well-being of all. In the days after the birth, your doula will return to visit you and your partner to debrief your birth experience, follow up on feeding and ensure that you are settling in at home as a family.
Birth doulas are willing to support any type of birth you choose whether that is an elective c-section, epidural or pool birth. Some may specialise in certain areas such as VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean), home birth or multiple births. It is vital that you and your partner interview a doula/your shortlist of doulas before you begin working together as each will bring their own personality, experience and mix of skills to the role. Your relationship with your doula is of the utmost importance to your personal experience. Please refer to the individual doula to see if they offer their own additional specialist skills and services. Prices will vary according to the level of experience, support offered and the area of the United Kingdom in which you live but can range from £300 to £3,000 per birth package.
For tips and info on the right questions to ask your potential doula, please see this page
The Different Types of Doulas:
Postnatal doula
A postnatal doula will provide you with emotional and practical support during the first few weeks or months after your baby is born. Many new mothers and fathers feel overwhelmed after the birth and often do not have the extended families of days-gone-by to come and assist them which can cause undue stress and exhaustion. A postnatal doula will take on this caring role, she will literally ‘mother the mother’, giving calm, non-judgemental support when it is most needed. She will also facilitate the partner’s role during the early weeks and help them nurture the family as a whole.
A postnatal doula will be sensitive to your needs and wishes and will give you the opportunity to rest and recuperate properly so that you can enjoy bonding with your precious new baby. She will come equipped with a sense of humour, a listening ear and will offer the sort of emotional and practical assistance that will ‘lighten the load’ and ease your transition into motherhood. She will help you talk about your birth experience and will provide you with a range of services tailored to your own needs by:
- Caring for your baby and any siblings whilst you rest.
- Providing support for breast or bottle feeding.
- Ensuring you are well fed and drinking enough.
- Providing suggestions and guidance on any baby related queries you might have.
Your postnatal doula can also offer a multitude of additional services such as pet care, babysitting, cooking meals, laundry, household shopping, light housework, answering the phone and ensuring visitors are kept to a minimum when you are tired and resting! Many postnatal doulas have experience working with twins or triplets and hold a range of other qualifications such as advanced breastfeeding and first aid to name but a few. All postnatal doulas have their own particular skills, experience and packages.
You can expect your postnatal doula to work flexible hours during the week although some will also work over the weekends and during the evening as well. It will be a personal arrangement adjusted to suit your needs. She might come to your house for a few hours each day or a few days per week depending on your requirements. Doulas are self-employed and will charge an hourly rate which varies according to their experience, support offered and the area of the United Kingdom in which you live but can range from £12 to £45 per hour. Some doulas may charge mileage or travel in addition to their hourly rate.
Birth and postnatal doulas are doulas who are trained to offer both services which avoids you hiring two doulas if you are interested in birth and postnatal support.
For tips and info on the right questions to ask your potential doula, please see this page
The Different Types of Doulas:
Postnatal doula
A postnatal doula will provide you with emotional and practical support during the first few weeks or months after your baby is born. Many new mothers and fathers feel overwhelmed after the birth and often do not have the extended families of days-gone-by to come and assist them which can cause undue stress and exhaustion. A postnatal doula will take on this caring role, she will literally ‘mother the mother’, giving calm, non-judgmental support when it is most needed. She will also facilitate the partner’s role during the early weeks and help them nurture the family as a whole.
A postnatal doula will be sensitive to your needs and wishes and will give you the opportunity to rest and recuperate properly so that you can enjoy bonding with your precious new baby. She will come equipped with a sense of humour, a listening ear and will offer the sort of emotional and practical assistance that will ‘lighten the load’ and ease your transition into motherhood. She will help you talk about your birth experience and will provide you with a range of services tailored to your own needs by:
- Caring for your baby and any siblings whilst you rest.
- Providing support for breast or bottle feeding.
- Ensuring you are well fed and drinking enough.
- Providing suggestions and guidance on any baby related queries you might have.
Your postnatal doula can also offer a multitude of additional services such as pet care, babysitting, cooking meals, laundry, household shopping, light housework, answering the phone and ensuring visitors are kept to a minimum when you are tired and resting! Many postnatal doulas have experience working with twins or triplets and hold a range of other qualifications such as advanced breastfeeding and first aid to name but a few. All postnatal doulas have their own particular skills, experience and packages.
You can expect your postnatal doula to work flexible hours during the week although some will also work over the weekends and during the evening as well. It will be a personal arrangement adjusted to suit your needs. She might come to your house for a few hours each day or a few days per week depending on your requirements. Doulas are self-employed and will charge an hourly rate which varies according to their experience, support offered and the area of the United Kingdom in which you live but can range from £12 to £45 per hour. Some doulas may charge mileage or travel in addition to their hourly rate.
Birth and postnatal doulas are doulas who are trained to offer both services which avoids you hiring two doulas if you are interested in birth and postnatal support.
For tips and info on the right questions to ask your potential doula, please see this page
The Different Types of Doulas:
Night doula
A night doula will spend the night in your home to help you get more sleep. Usually it is a ten hour night from 9 pm until 7 am or 10 pm until 8 am. She will care for the baby overnight if you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding to enable you to get as much sleep as possible by winding, swaddling, nappy changing, settling and fetching the mother a drink and snack. If the mother is bottle feeding a night doula is able to care for the baby without disturbing her.
For tips and info on the right questions to ask your potential doula, please see this page
Please note that these descriptions are a general guide as each doula is self employed and offers her own individual service. Please refer to each individual doula for more information. It is important your arrangement with your chosen doula suits both of you as it is a very personal service.
The Different Types of Doulas:
Night doula
A night doula will spend the night in your home to help you get more sleep. Usually it is a ten hour night from 9 pm until 7 am or 10 pm until 8 am. She will care for the baby overnight if you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding to enable you to get as much sleep as possible by winding, swaddling, nappy changing, settling and fetching the mother a drink and snack. If the mother is bottle feeding a night doula is able to care for the baby without disturbing her.
For tips and info on the right questions to ask your potential doula, please see this page
Please note that these descriptions are a general guide as each doula is self employed and offers her own individual service. Please refer to each individual doula for more information. It is important your arrangement with your chosen doula suits both of you as it is a very personal service.