A few more common questions people ask Doulas.
What training and experience do you have?
Having trained with The Doula Training Foundation, I currently have the great advantage of being mentored by the the highly experienced founders, Jemma White and Anne-Marie Jones, both of whom are full time career doulas. I have my own lived pregnancy and birth experiences to draw on as well as the support I have given to family and friends over the years before choosing this path as a career.
How do you stay up to date and informed?
As well as the continuous support from my mentors and being a member of Doula UK, I am part of a large community of working doulas who continuously share, inform and support each other on the latest news, studies, articles, podcasts and lived experiences. Attending events such as the Maternity and Midwifery Forum is also a great source of learning.
What's your birth philosophy?
This is a tough one. I think if I am being totally honest, it's a mixture of everything. No matter where or how people decide to birth their babies, the main threads are a person's right to be listened to and heard, to be allowed to choose whatever they feel suits them best, to be allowed to change their minds, to be truthfully informed, to be respected, to be safe and no matter the whys and wherefores, be able to look back at their birthing experiences and feel full to the brim of love, pride and awe at what they have achieved.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by many, many things; conversation with people, interaction with nature, particularly the coastline and the sea. I find sunrises, sunsets and the moon inspiring. I am continually learning. The desire to help and support others to help and support themselves runs deep. This is to name but a few.
What happens at an antenatal session?
Being "client led" antenatal sessions will mainly be about you, what's important to you and how you would like your dream birth to look. Space to air your concerns or any worries you may have. We'll get to know each other, building a connection, rapport, trust, and a bond. What do you want from your doula? Education and signposting to specific things that might appeal to you; or the opposite; it's also good to know what you don't want too. Previous birth history, if this is not your first child. Physiology and comfort measures. Hormones and the journey to birth. I use a number of props to make our sessions interactive and fun.
How will I be supported during labour?
On call from two weeks before your due date until your baby is born I am only a phone call away until labour is established at which point I will be by your side until baby arrives and immediately afterwards for however long it takes until everyone is safely settled. During this time I can be a whatever you need me to be, a simple presence in the room, a hand to hold, massage, maintaining your preferred environment and hold space for you. I can help advocate for you, being that "voice for your choice" I have talked about.
Will my partner be supported?
Absolutely! Partners are encouraged to become as involved as you both wish or otherwise, during antenatal sessions as well as labour and birth. Doulas can assist by showing massage and support techniques, how to use a rebozo, breath work or simply being stocked up with favourite snacks and drinks. Whatever suits you and your birth partner. Sometimes, it's birth partners who need the most moral and emotional support. Doulas are there for birth partners too, they are never going to be left out or sidelined.
What if the unexpected happens?
No matter how detailed a plan or how well prepared, with various "what ifs" anticipated or factored in, when it comes to labour and birth, there's always a chance something unexpected might crop up. It could be temporary or it may change the whole course of things to come. This is potentially the point when you are at your most vulnerable. This is also the point where your doula is right by your side, holding that space for you, ensuring you are afforded time to think and make informed decisions.
Suggested reading for more information.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3647727
https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/