FAQs
How much does it cost? What is included?
The usual rate for a trainee doula (as recommended by Doula UK) is £200 for a Birth Package and £10 per hour for Post-natal support. The fee for fully trained Doulas is higher. The fees are the standard for doulas throughout the UK. I have my own schedule of fees within this guideline and you should contact me for current pricing information. HOWEVER IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT I BELIEVE THAT WOMEN SHOULD HAVE ACCESS TO SUPPORT REGARDLESS OF ABILITY TO PAY AND WOULD NOT TURN AWAY A CLIENT ON THAT BASIS.
Won’t having a doula make my partner feel useless?
A very famous midwife from America, Penny Simkin, explains about doulas and other birth partners
- Myth #1 If a woman has her partner, the doula becomes redundant.
Reality: The doula may be the only person at the labor, beside the partner who is there solely for the emotional well being of the woman. The nurse, the doctor, the midwife have other priorities that compete with the emotional care of the woman; for example breaks, shift changes, clinical responsibilities, office hours and hospital policies. The doula has few or no other responsibilities. She stays through shift changes, and until after the baby is born. She is not just another stranger with the couple. She has the woman’s needs as her sole priority.
In some cases the couple will bring several other friends or families into labor with them. Sometimes these people can be uncertain how to help, which leads to confusion and actually adds to the woman’s stress. The doula can direct and coordinate the efforts of a group of people, giving them all something useful to do, so they work as a team on the woman’s behalf.
- Myth #2: The doula takes over, displacing the partner and interferes with their intimate experience.
Realities: The doula can actually bring the couple closer together. By making sure that the partner’s needs are met (food, drink and reassurance) the woman and partner can work more closely together.
The doula allows for the partner to participate at his or her comfort level. Some partners prefer to be there only to witness the birth of their child and to share this experience with the woman they love. They may not want to play an active role and do not want to become responsible for the woman’s comfort and emotional security. The doula can fill in and allow the partner to participate as he or she wishes, without leaving the woman’s needs unmet.
When the partner chooses to be the major source of emotional support, the doula can supplement his or her efforts by making errands, making suggestions for comfort measures and offering words of reassurance, and comfort. During a long tiring labor, she can give the partner a break for a brief rest or change of scene.
For the partner who is shy, uncertain, or unversed in his or her role, the doula suggests simple but truly useful tasks, such as timing contractions, holding the woman, supporting her in a particular position, massaging her.
While the doula probably knows more than the partner about birth, hospitals and maternity care, the partner knows more about the woman’s personality, likes, dislikes and needs. Moreover, he or she loves the woman more than anyone else there. The combined contributions of the partner and doula, along with a competent, considerate and caring staff give the woman the best chance of an optimal outcome.
Reality: The doula’s true agenda is to help ensure that the woman or couple’s agenda, their birth plan, is acknowledged and followed as much as possible. If the doula is thoroughly familiar with the couple’s wishes and their birth plan, she may actually think more about it than the couple, especially when labor is intense and things are happening rapidly. The doula can remind the staff or the couple of some items on the birth plan that are forgotten, but which later might be important. Sometimes if a birth plan is not followed, the couple later look back with regret or disappointment.
The doula helps with decision-making by asking questions that will ensure the right information is given to the woman or couple so that they can make an informed decision. She may also suggest alternatives, like waiting a while for the couple to have a chance to discuss it. She does not however, make decisions for the couple.
In summary, the doula helps make the birth experience to be as rewarding and satisfying as possible. As one father said, ‘ I heaved a big sigh of relief when she (the doula) walked in. I hadn’t realized how much pressure I had been feeling. She not only calmed my wife, she calmed me down.’
*From: The Doula and the Partner: How they Work Together to Help the Birthing Woman By Penny Simkin, P.T. http://www.pennysimkin.com/
Do you have one or more backup doulas for times when you are not available? May we meet with the backup doula?
I currently work alone, but I have an informal back-up arrangement with another doula in the area. When I am on-call for you, I am available round the clock. The only thing which would stop me attending you is illness or a family emergency.
When will you be on-call?
I am available to attend your birth from 2 weeks before your expected date of delivery (EDD) until your birth. I will not book other clients within the period 2 weeks before to 10 days after your EDD. If you go into labour before this on-call period, I will still try to attend you, but will need to agree this with any other client I may be supporting.
Do you only work with women who want "natural births?
No! At your prenatal visit, I like to find out what your needs and desires are for the birth. I am happy to support you no matter what you are hoping for, whether you want medication from the moment you walk into the hospital, or want an unmedicated home birth, or whatever in between these two. During labour I help to remind you of your wishes, and try to help you to have your ideal birth. I try to find out what relaxes you so that I can provide these comfort measures during labour. I will help to provide any information that I can when you have questions during labour, and will facilitate communication between you and your caregiver.
May we meet to discuss our birth plans and the role you will play in supporting me/us through childbirth? May we call you with questions or concerns before and after the birth?
I prefer to have at least one prenatal meeting, and am happy to talk to you via phone or email at any time with questions, concerns or just to chat. After the birth I will check in with you to see how you and your new family are doing, as well as to schedule a postpartum visit to talk about the birth, give you your birth story and to discuss your view of the birth.
When do you try to join women in labour? Do you come to our home or meet us at the place of birth?
I will agree with you before you go into labour where you want me to join you. Some people want me to be with them at home for a time before going to hospital, others want me to join them there. It is your choice and I am happy to go with your wishes.
Do you work with the hospital staff?
If medical decisions need to be made, I will make sure you have the information you need to make knowledgeable choices. I do not perform medical tasks or assessments, but work cooperatively within the birth team to help you follow your birth plan as closely as possible. A doula doesn’t “take over” rather, we are there to support you and your family in whatever you need and want.
