Firstly, what exactly does a doula do?  Let's start with the basics.  As a doula, I provide educational, emotional and advocacy support.  I am strictly non-medical.  This means that whilst I am part of your birth team, I do not replace a Midwife or an Obstetrician.  Whilst it varies from doula to doula, my doula package includes meeting 2-3 times for antenatal sessions (and a chance for us to get to know each other), being on-call 10 days before your due date (until you have had your baby), attending your birth, and then 1 postnatal debrief visit after your birth.  Once you book me, I am available by phone, email, text or phone should you have any questions or need more information.

 

In the antenatal sessions leading up to the birth, I pretty much discuss everything, from what birth looks like, coping techniques, getting to know what your birthing preferences are, what to expect at the hospital (or at home if having a home birth), breastfeeding, and the postpartum period.  A lot of what I cover, I have learnt from actually supporting births. A lot of antenatal teachers have been trained for their particular course, so they will not have this information.

 

I also practice Biomechanics, and I will give you some techniques (in our antenatal classes) to practice in the lead up to labour to help ensure your pelvis is in balance.  Due to ligaments softening during pregnancy, the pelvis to be moved slightly out of alignment (just carrying your handbag on the same shoulder) or being very sporty can tighten ligaments, which may prevent natural movement of the pelvis during pregnancy.  When this happens, it can mean that there is less room for the baby to get into a good position. It can delay engagement, and once in labour, it can delay progression (cervix to dilate), it can cause a long early labour (latent stage) and can stall labour once it has started. By practising these techniques during labour, it can often help to realign the pelvis and so give the baby enough room to get into a good position. Labour will progress, often quickly.  By doing this, it will help to prevent medical interventions that would try to speed up labour (breaking waters, syntocinon drip, and even caesarean).

 

During your labour, I do everything from back rubs (I've been told I should get my hands insured!), to normalising the weird and scary stuff that can happen, and of course, making sure you are both fed and watered.  I can also help facilitate conversations with your medical providers to ensure you are an active participant in your care, if this is what you want. I have supported clients with medical issues and have arranged meetings with Consultant Midwives, etc., to ensure you get the best support possible.

 

So, how do you know if you should work with a doula?  Well, the truth is, everyone can benefit from having a doula.  Whether you are birthing at home, at a Birth Centre, or Labour Ward, with an Obstetrician or Midwife, under the NHS or Private, the benefits are clear:  The continuity of care and calming affect of a doula can help decrease your chance of a caesarean, the overall length of labour, the amount of syntocinon, and other medications you are recommended, all of which will help you to have positive feelings about your birth.  You will always remember your birth, so I want to help ensure you have as many positive memories as possible.

 

So, how does it work if you have a partner who is also supporting you? I will never replace your partner.  How could I?  Your partner likely knows you better than anyone.  I act as a facilitator and container, to allow your partner to best support you by taking some of the pressure off, helping to guide them, answering questions, and letting them rest, eat or take a bathroom break when needed. Because I am calm, it helps you and your partner to stay calm. If your partner is not very assertive, then I can take on this role, and if they are squeamish, I can make sure they are not overwhelmed by anything during labour and birth.

 

There are two main things I bring to the birth that your partner most likely cannot: experience and emotional detachment.  And these make a big difference.  Having a doula around to say "All this is normal" and Why don't you have a warm bath?" helps you to stay at home for as long as possible (which is advisable in all healthy, low-risk labours).  Helping to translate your needs to professionals at the hospital can be extremely beneficial, too. 

 

Your partner is going to be emotionally attached to all that is happening (rightfully so!), and so nerves, apprehensions, and their original birth preferences or ideals may cloud their ability to give 100% support.  No amount of books can fully prepare you for the experience once you are in it, and so it helps to have someone you can bounce your thoughts off of and be reminded of the questions to ask your Midwife along the way.  Also, your partner may not want to show you that they are struggling or feeling overwhelmed.  I usually suggest they go out to get some fresh air/ food/ sleep so they can come back to the birthing room more able to support you.

 

I mostly work with local mothers as this enables me to be able to arrive at short notice if necessary (as births are so unpredictable), but also so I can just pop over for a cuppa if you need some reassurance, or a hug before or after the birth.  I also have local knowledge of hospitals, lactation specialists, pregnancy yoga teachers, pregnancy masseurs, cranial osteopaths, chiropractors, reflexologists, acupuncturists, breastfeeding clinics, etc.  Once I am on-call,  I am yours 24/7, which means no drinking, partying, or late nights, and any family, social or school events are cancelled until you have had your baby.  Not to mention being available by phone, text or email once I am booked. If you don't live locally but you are going to a local hospital too, I can still support you, but antenatal may be over Zoom, and I can meet you at the hospital once you are in labour.

 

My job as a birth doula is never to cause more tension but try to make it easier for everyone involved, including your midwife.  I find that when working with a midwife, it becomes more about 'team work' and building a good rapport, which creates a lovely atmosphere in the room.

 

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch (contact form below).