About Doulas
Doulas are becoming more popular but many still dont know about what they do. Find out more here.
What is a doula?
A doula (pronounced doo-la) is now recognised as a woman experienced in childbirth, who offers continuous emotional and practical support to families before, during and after childbirth. This support is non-medical in nature and will never take the place of a midwife or maternity team member.
A doula…
…respects that giving birth is one of the most life-changing experiences in your life, which you will always remember
…understands the physiology of birth and your emotional needs in labour and will provide practical support in the form of physical comfort measures such as massage, rebozo techniques, hypnobirthing and being a constant presence at the birth until your baby is born
…helps you and your family to prepare for your birth by sharing her knowledge and experiences
…has an open approach to pregnancy and childbirth. She offers support not only to those birthing for the first time, but ‘any time’ mums and pregnant people, VBAC, HBAC, epidural births, home and hospital births, caesarean births, water births, assisted births, natural births, lotus births, freebirths, multiple births, stillbirths, BBA – in fact any births. Your doula supports your birth.
…has undergone specialised training and will balance professionalism with the ability to be genuinely personable
Why have a doula?
More and more families are hearing about the benefits of doula support during one of the most exhilarating and precious experiences in their lives:
• a doula will help you to prepare for the birth and the early days of parenting
• chat through all your options related to birthing your baby
• support you to make informed decisions for giving birth which leads to peace of mind and increased confidence
• listen to your expectations, and talk about the reality!
• protect your safe space
• discuss any previous birth experiences
• confirm your birth preferences
• give your partner emotional and practical support too
• continuous presence during your labour and birth
• respect your experience
• make no judgements
• respectful of the birthing partner’s role
• trust mum’s instinct to birth and care for her baby
As a Birth Doula my aim is to instil you with confidence and trust in your body, to provide you with information to make informed decisions about your care and to continuously support you during your birth so that your experience is a positive one, which you will look back on with happiness, pride and satisfaction.
“Anne helped to make a stressful early induction into a birth I can remember with peace and joy.” Lauren
As a Postnatal Doula I work flexible hours to suit your family and circumstances to offer practical and emotional support in your home following the birth of your baby. My aim is to ensure you are happy after the birth of your baby and your family adjusts to the latest family member!
“Anne was a calming, judgement-free presence…don’t hesitate to book Anne as your postnatal doula!” Christina
Research has shown that using a doula will assist in:
• shorter labours
• fewer complications
• reduction in caesarean procedures
• reduction in oxytocin use
• reduction in epidural requests
• reduction in other medical interventions such as use of forceps and vacuum
There is overwhelming evidence that doulas have a positive effect on birth outcomes and benefit mothers directly:
• increased satisfaction with birth experience
• less postpartum depression
• shorter hospital stays
• increased success of breastfeeding