FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


What is a doula?

“Doula” is a Greek word, loosely translated as “in service of” but in this context it is taken to mean a woman who provides sustained physical, emotional and informational support during labour, birth and the early days of parenthood. (Doula U.K. 2004) It is a role that women have performed throughout history supporting other women around them. Some doulas work in all areas of support whereas others choose to specialise in for example birth only or postnatal only support .


What does a doula do?

A doula provides support. Doula U.K. describe the doula role as a way of “being” not “doing”. A doula through the support she provides aims to nurture a woman at this important stage of her life.

“ The doula’s role has often been described as “ mothering the mother “. The doula is employed primarily by a woman to listen, support and respond to her needs. The doula is not there to replace or exclude the father, partner or other family members or to intrude on these relationships.”( Doula UK )

 She is not a medical professional and will not perform clinical tasks or give medical advice.  She should however have a good knowledge of pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period in order to be able to guide and support a woman to the resources that will help her.

A post-natal doula will work with a mother and her family for a mutually agreed period of time normally up to about 8 weeks post-natal. This will usually be a set number of hours each day for a set number of days each week. A post-natal doula provides physical and emotional support to a mother and her family. She will also help a mother to identify information and support from various other sources. The exact support will vary according to the mother and her family’s requirements. A post-natal doula will be able to free the mother from some domestic chores so that the mother has time to meet her own and her baby’s needs. “ A post-natal doula will help a mother to find her own way of mothering.

Why would I benefit from having a post natal doula?

The postnatal period is a time of new experiences and challenges. A mother can feel pulled in so many directions when what she needs is time to be with her baby and time to recuperate. A post-natal doula can help the mother to feel more in control and to feel supported, resulting in a more positive experience for mother, baby and the wider family.

There is evidence to suggest that having a Doula can have various positive advantages. For more information on the available research please call me or go to www.doula.org.uk.



What doula support do you provide?

I am a post-natal doula. I can refer you to local birth doulas if you require.

When should I contact a doula?

As soon as possible in order to maximise the options available in terms of the support you require.


How can I find out more information about doulas and those that are available locally?

Doula U.K. has an informative website with a service for parents-to-be and parents to locate doulas in their area.
Their web address is www.doula.org.uk
Various downloads are available including Doula U.K.’s Philosophy, Code of Practice, Complaints Procedure, Confidentiality Policy and an Equal Opportunities Statement. I can provide copies of these if requested.


Do you work for Doula U.K.?

I do not work for Doula U.K. but am a member and adhere to their guidelines for my practice. I work for my own company Mother to Mother Ltd.
If you have any questions or want to discuss anything further please contact me.