FAQs

As a doula, I provide practical, emotional, and nurturing support to the whole family during pregnancy, labour and after the birth of a baby

Evidence suggests that doula support improves the experience of giving birth and your baby’s health and wellbeing shortly after birth

Midwives are healthcare providers authorised to give medical care throughout pregnancy, labour and birth. As a doula, I am not qualified to deliver babies or offer medical services, but I provide education, information advice and support before, during and after childbirth.

As a doula, I am not a midwife or obstetrician, and I cannot perform medical tasks like listening to the baby's heartbeat or performing vaginal examinations. 

People who want emotional support: I can provide encouragement and reassurance. 

People who want to communicate their wishes: I can advocate for you during labour and birth. 

People who want to feel safe and confident: I can help you trust your instincts. 

People who want to reduce the risk of complications: Doulas can help you communicate your concerns. 

People who want to have a physiological birth: I can support you in your decision to accept interventions or have an unassisted birth. 

As an overnight doula, I can help you achieve uninterrupted sleep and emotional support. I can support your partner who may be juggling work and hands on parenting.

When you sleep, your body repairs and you restore yourself.

As a birth doula, I will work at your home, at a midwifery led unit and in labour wards at local hospitals.

As a postnatal doula, I will work at the your home.

The client will usually pay for my doula services .

There are some charities which may provide low cost doula services such as:

https://www.doulaswithoutborders.com/

https://doula.org.uk/access-fund

Some clients will have access the private health insurance such as Carrot that will pay for doula support.

Evidence shows that hiring a doula leads to:

a decreased risk of cesarean section

a decreased risk of low apgar scores

shortened duration of labour

increased likelihood of a vaginal birth

increased breastfeeding rates

The cost of a doula in the UK can range from £200 -£4000. Much of this will depend on what you are looking for and the range of experience the doula has.

As a doula, I can be an invaluable part of pregnancy, birth, and postnatal care, offering emotional, physical, and educational support to families. However, many families may not realise that my services can sometimes be covered by health insurance. Carrot Fertility is one such provider that now includes coverage for doula services, making it easier for families to access the support they need. I am recognised for the purposes of Carrot insurance

https://www.thedouladirectory.com/pregnancy-and-birth-doula-support/how-to-use-carrot-fertility-insurance-for-doula-services

At Ma Doula, I offer a full spectrum doula service including birth support, postnatal support, overnight support and early years childcare and educational consultancy

To book my doula services, schedule an initial consultation to discuss your needs and find if we are a good fit.

Once you've chosen me as your doula, confirm your booking by discussing my packages, fees, and availability, and sign a contract to secure your spot; it's generally recommended to start looking early in your pregnancy as I can get booked up quickly. 

In early pregnancy you should expect common symptoms like a missed period, tender breasts, nausea, fatigue, frequent urination an potential mood swings due to hormonal changes.

There are certain criteria for eligibility for a waterbirth according to NHS guidelines.

Eligibility 

• You have a low-risk pregnancy

• You're carrying one baby in a head-down position

• You're over 37 weeks pregnant

• You're free of infection and other medical conditions

• You have no history of high blood pressure

• You have no history of bleeding disorders

Yes, you can choose to give birth at home. This is usually recommended if you have a straightforward pregnancy and both you and the baby are well.

An induction of labour is when labour is started artificially rather than it happening spontaneously. Reasons for induction of labour may include:

if the pregnancy has reached 40 weeks

if there is a risk to the mother or baby’s health

if the waters break but labour does not follow within a set time frame

A doula typically arrives at a birth when labour begins, usually in the early stages, and will stay with the birthing person throughout labour and until the baby is born.

Most doulas are available on call for clients from either 38 weeks of pregnancy or 10 days before the estimated due date.

It is never too early but never too late either. I take on a limited number of clients per month in order to guarantee good availability for your birth and therefore the earlier you book, the more likely you are to secure the doula you want. Also, the earlier you book, the longer you have to build a relationship and have all your questions answered.

I offer support in labour, at home, before midwives are present.

I recognise that partners go through their own right of passage when their loved one is in labour.

I can help your partner to understand what it going on.

I offer an extra pair of hands, dividing some of the responsibilities and sharing the load and perhaps giving your partner a break.

I can give partners pointers and suggestions for ideas of what to do to help the woman in labour.

I can help setting the tone and atmosphere in the birthing space while your partner concentrates on supporting you e.g. dimming the lights, setting out some of the comfort items you may have for the room.

I can help partners to focus on what is really important particularly in the unfamiliar environment of a labour ward or birthing centre.

I can help facilitate communication with the health care professionals and help you to advocate for the labouring person.

I have supported over 20 births in all settings including homebirth. I have worked at the following hospitals:

Hillingdon Hospital

Queen Charlotte Hospital

Northwick Park Hospital

Watford General Hospital

West Middlesex Hospital

Wexham Park Hospital

Stoke Mandeville Hospital

Barnet Hospital

University College London Hospital

Whittington Hospital

Postnatally, I have supported upwards of 12 clients with various packages of hours up to 72 hour blocks.

February 2022

Yes, I have doula insurance and a current enhanced DBS certificate. I am always happy to share these details with client if requested.

I will make every effort to provide the services described in our agreement. It may be that external circumstances may limit my availability, in which case I will endeavour to secure you a back up doula.

My on call period runs from 10 days before your estimated due date until the end of your 43rd week.

Yes, absolutely.

Birth planning support will be part of our antenatal sessions together and will be an important part of your birth preparation and planning.