Frequent Asked Questions
When should I contact a doula?
There is no a perfect timing to contact a doula, some people prefer to contact doulas nearly in the end of pregnancy , others even before getting pregnant or right as soon as they know that they are pregnant.
As you can see this can be a very personal choice.
What you should bare in mind is that is very important to have a good connection between you and your doula. I always suggest contacting a couple of them before you decide, to make sure that you have a the click, note that social media and prices are not always the best indicator of match.
What doulas don't do?
Doulas DON'T:
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perform clinical tasks such as vaginal exams or foetal heart monitoring
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give medical advice or diagnose conditions
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make decisions for the client (medical or otherwise)
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pressure the birthing person into certain choices just because that’s what they prefer
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take over the role of the partner
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catch the baby
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do shifts
Doulas give emotional; informational (based on scientific evidence) and even physical support to the mother or birthing person, but doulas can also help the entire family with adjusting to their new lives. Doulas are there to listen, give confidence and not judge. Offering flexible, practical and emotional support in homes, hospitals or now more commonly digitally.
Doulas only support "natural" births?
Unfortunately the idea that doula only support natural births is not correct.
As a doula, I am here to support you through your choices and I have no agenda.
I am more than happy to provide you with evidence based information in any type of birth that you are planning to have if you feel that this will help you.
I have no preferences in terms of types of births because this in not about me but about YOU and your birth. I am only here to support you
Is it worth having a Doula for my second baby?
Each birth experience is always distinct, regardless of the number of children that you have had. If you already had babies and you think you already know what to expect, a number of new situations and new scenarios can arise, these can be with pregnancy, birth or parenting.
If you had a less positive first experience, a Doula can help you understand what happened, and support you to make more informed choices this time. If you've had a happy experience, a doula can help you maintain that goal, and support with the older siblings.
Having a child is always a new experience for any family, and support is never too much, either this baby is the first or fifth.
What is a mentored Doula?
There is no required regulation or training to become a doula, however many doulas decide to voluntarily attend a training course.
I have completed my initial preparation course with Developing Doulas, which is a Doula UK approved training provider.
A Mentored Doula, is someone that has completed a Doula UK approved Preparation Course and is involved in Doula UK's Recognition Process. This means that I have a Mentor providing support and supervision within a framework for reflective practice until they has gained sufficient experience to become a Recognised Doula.
Do you offer a payment plan?
Yes, of course!
We can discuss and arrange a plan that would suit you.
I am happy to barter or exchange of services in kind, as well as support you though Doula UK Access Fund.
You may also have the option of asking for Doula UK gift vouchers instead of presents to offset some of the cost of hiring a doula.
Get in touch and we can discuss this.
I’m here to answer any questions you may still have. Contact me for more details.