Doula Access Fund

The Doula Access Fund provides free support during pregnancy, labour and after the birth of a baby to those experiencing disadvantage and financial hardship. Each applicant is referred by a health care professional, social worker or charitable partner. For those who need the support but are not in a position to pay for it.

Everyone deserves to be looked after and supported during birth regardless of their situation!

Doulas offer continuous emotional, informational and practical support through pregnancy, labour and after the birth of a baby.

Studies show that doula support results in:

Shorter labours with fewer complications
Reduced requests for pain medication including epidural
Reduced likelihood of a caesarean birth or an assisted delivery
Higher likelihood of establishing and continuing breastfeeding
More likely to have positive feelings about their birth and postnatal experience

As doulas we are campaigners for the improvement in maternity and postnatal care for everyone.

We encourage self advocacy to the people we support by providing them with knowledge to make informed evidence-based decisions about their care.

We are protectors, ensuring that women and birthing people’s voices are heard and respected, and we stand up to coercion and obstetric violence.

We work with various agencies and charitable partners including those who provide services including maternity, mental health, refugee and domestic violence.

We believe that everyone has a right to have a positive and supported birth experience and to the best possible start in life.

Doula UK is uniquely placed with excellent infrastructure, financial stability and with a membership of 700 trained and skilled doulas across the UK to provide doula support through the Doula Access Fund.

Eligibility

Please refer anyone you feel would benefit from doula support either for birth or in the postnatal period who is;

experiencing financial hardship*

and fills one or more of the following criteria;

Lone parent
Black or Asian
Mental health diagnosis
Fleeing domestic violence
Homeless or in temporary housing
In the Social Work system
Registered disability
Survivor of trafficking or abuse

*Proof of receipt of benefits or no recourse to public funds will be required.

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