A birth doula is a calm, comforting, encouraging presence in the birthing room. She is someone who has been through at least one birth herself and can support and help the new mother using her own experience as a guide. She will stay with you for the whole of your birth however long it takes. She will also visit you before and after the birth. Beforehand she will go through your birthing plan with you and can even come to antenatal classes with you if you would like her to. After the birth she can bring you your ‘birth record’ to remind you of the experience (if you want her to) so that you can make it your own.

Birth doulas have become increasingly popular in this country over the last few years as the numbers of midwives has fallen and many midwives have found that they can be attending up to five births at the same time.

However, it must be emphasised that birth doulas are not substitute midwives. They support birthing mothers, love them, comfort them and are dedicated to the one mother who has hired them, but they are not trained or qualified to do many of the important things that only midwives can do.

Scientific research has shown that the presence of a doula in the birthing room makes the experience significantly safer, happier and less painful. From what we have heard from our clients and from birth doulas themselves, we believe that having a doula in the birthing room with the mother means that the woman giving birth has the comfort and security of an experienced mother with her who can help her be calm and, therefore, make the birth quicker, less painful and more natural.

Birth doulas cost between £200-400 for a birth, depending on the area and the doula’s level of expertise.