Frequently Asked Questions

1. What exactly does a doula do?

A doula offers emotional, physical, and informational support throughout pregnancy, birth, and early postpartum. I’m here to help you feel safe, steady, informed, and truly held so you can meet your birth with confidence and connection.

2. How is a doula different from a midwife?

A midwife provides clinical care. A doula provides non-clinical support. I don’t do examinations or make medical decisions, I support your nervous system, your mindset, and your ability to make informed choices.

3. Do I still need a doula if my partner will be there?

Absolutely. A doula supports both of you. I give your partner guidance, reassurance and space to rest, so they can show up with confidence instead of feeling like they have to “know everything.”

4. Will a doula replace my partner?

Not at all. Your partner is irreplaceable. I help them feel steady, calm and involved, and together we create a strong support team around you.

5. Do doulas only support unmedicated or home births?

No doulas support all types of births. My focus is on informed choice and emotional safety, whether you birth at home, in hospital, with pain relief, or by caesarean.

6. What if I want an epidural or a planned caesarean?

You’re still fully supported. My role is never to steer you, it’s to help you understand your options, feel grounded, and experience birth in a way that feels right for you.

7. How can a doula help with pain or intensity during labour?

I support you with breathwork, position changes, massage, movement, affirmations, environment-setting, and helping your birth space feel safe. When the nervous system feels held, labour often feels more manageable.

8. When should I hire a doula?

Anytime works but the earlier we connect, the more time we have to build trust and prepare together. I do get booked early, so if you’re interested then get in touch!

9. Do you meet us before labour? How many sessions are included?

Yes. Every package differs slightly, but typically we have 2–3 antenatal sessions and regular check-ins so you feel supported and resourced before the birth.

10. Do you offer postpartum support too?

Yes. I offer postpartum visits focused on emotional wellbeing, feeding support, recovery, processing the birth and helping you settle into your new normal.

11. What if my labour is long? Do you stay the whole time?

Yes! I’m with you throughout active labour, no matter how long it takes. Continuity is a cornerstone of doula care.

12. How does on-call work at the end of pregnancy?

From 10 days before your due date until your baby is due, I’m on-call 24/7 for you. My phone is always on, childcare sorted, ready to join you whenever labour begins.

13. Will a doula advocate for me at the hospital?

I don’t speak for you, but I absolutely support you in voicing your needs. I help you slow conversations down, understand your choices, and feel confident in advocating for yourself.

14. How does a doula support partners during the birth?

I help them understand what’s normal, offer reassurance, suggest comfort techniques, and take the pressure off so they can focus on loving you, not on logistics.

15. What if I’m anxious, overwhelmed, or scared about birth?

You’re not alone. We work gently with your fears, your conditioning, and your nervous system. You get grounding tools, reassurance, and space to talk about anything that feels heavy.

16. Will a doula support me if I’ve had previous birth trauma?

Yes, with care and slowness. We explore triggers, support plans, coping strategies and ways to reclaim your power so this birth feels profoundly different.

17. Can a doula help me navigate induction or medical recommendations?

Yes. I help you understand the evidence, ask the right questions, and make decisions that feel aligned with your body and your values.

18. How do you work with women who want a physiological birth?

I support you to create safety in the body and environment, understand physiology, trust your instincts, and protect your birth space from unnecessary disturbance.

19. How does payment work? Do you offer plans?

I ask for a retaining fee and the remaining balance is due when you reach 38 weeks. And yes, payment plans are available on request. I want support you to feel accessible and manageable.

20. How do we know if you’re the right doula for us?

You’ll feel it. My clients often say they felt instantly safe, understood and grounded. If you feel a “yes” in your body when we talk, we’re probably a good fit.