"Doula" (pronounced "doola") is a Greek word meaning "woman servant or caregiver". It now refers to an experienced woman, usually a mother herself, who offers emotional and practical support to a woman (or couple) before, during and after childbirth. A doula believes in "mothering the mother” - enabling a woman to have the most satisfying and empowered time that she can during pregnancy, birth and the early days as a new mum. This type of support also helps the whole family to relax and enjoy the experience.

Birth Doulas

Hospital births are sometimes difficult for first time parents as they may have trouble knowing when to go in.  This is something a doula can really help with. Having an experienced and calm presence with you from the start of labour, means you will have a much better idea when is the right time to leave for hospital. Mothers often arrive much further along in labour than they had realised as they have felt so safe and reassured at home. Doulas can help you avoid the panic that often seems to set in at this stage of a first birth.  

Once in established labour, whether at home or hospital, each woman is different and special, so a good doula will adapt to suit the situation. Some women need massage, some can't stand it!  Some need verbal reassurance throughout and others want absolute quiet. Some just want a reassuring constant presence, something we can't always be sure of in todays busy hospitals. A doula will be your best friend, mum and sister all rolled into one and she'll pull whichever one is appropriate for you out of her doula bag at your birth!

Partners can sometimes worry that a doula will take their place at a birth and they will miss out on their special role. Doulas are very keen to enable birth to be a really positive experience for everyone involved. Some men feel slightly daunted at the prospect of 'the big day' and can shut down a little. Others may become over enthusiastic in their efforts and inadvertently irritate their wives or partners.  A good doula will gently find a balance without treading on toes, or leaving anyone out. In this way they can help to make the birth a wonderful experience for you all. 

Postnatal Doulas

The arrival of a new baby changes everything and for some women and their partners, things don't always go as smoothly as they hoped.  It could be the feeding, the crying or maybe the  sleeping - and that's just the parents!!  A postnatal doula can help you over this sometimes trying time, and give you the tools you need to continue long after she has gone.