What is a Doula?
Unless you are from a birthing background or you are lucky enough to personally know a doula it is quite likely that you have no idea what one is.A doula is a non-medical person, usually a mother, who is there to support you throughout pregnancy, labour and/or after your birth.
Doula's are trained to have a non-judgemental outlook and are there to support and represent your decision. They offer emotional and physical support at a time that women are most vunerable - helping women to get the birth experience they really want.
It's a common misconception that doula's can only employed during birth - actually many also work postnatally, so you could employ a doula for a couple of hours per week until you get back on your feet.
Do I need one?
This really depends on you. On your expectations and your support network.
During birth you may feel that your birth partner is assertive enough to deal with medical professionals and that he has the neccessary skills to support you throughout labour. (Of course these skills can be polished with increased antenatal education - Natal Hypnotherapy dedicates an entire section about the role of the birth partner!)
Other women may not have a birth partner. Or they may have a partner that is daunted by the protocol and procedure of hospital - even the most confident of people can get 'white coat syndrome' when on unfamiliar medical territory. Or they may have a partner that is extremely squeamish and it is likely he will be in a heap on the floor at the crucial moment!
Even if your partner is a hero-man-midwife type, don't disregard having a doula - a well trained doula knows exactly when to step back. Just having a doula there, as a women who is herself a mother and has gone through the birth process, can really help. Plus a doula also takes care of the birth partner allowing him to have a break/toilet stop/something to eat and so on...
After birth you may be lucky enough to have helpful and supportive family and friends, but as our society becomes more fragmented for many people this isn't a reality and a doula can provide very practical support at this time.
Choosing a Doula
It is wise to chat to a few doula's before you make a decision. You need to feel comfortable with the person that is to partake in such a intimate and special part of your life. If the doula talks about her own experience, sack her. Your birth experience is about you.
Isn't is expensive to hire a Doula
Until you speak to one you won't know - but you may be surprised. Many women who train as a doula, do it because it is fulfilling and rewarding - not for the money. So it is likely that you will be able to find an agreement. There is also a Doula Hardship Fund - for more information see Hardship Fund.
There is lots more information on Doula UK. You are able to select a 'Doula by Postcode' on this site.
Doula's are available for both hospital and home births.
In our area we are extremely lucky to have the open minded, lovely natured and experienced Zoe Walsh. Zoe covers Wyre, Fylde, Preston, and surrounding areas. For an informal chat please call: 07743 299810.
Slightly further a field there is Susan Hannelly (Manchester) 07745380706 or Michelle Bromley (East Lancs) 0793214574 and Aurea Kelvin (Lancaster) 07779232866.
