Is a doula only for people without a birth partner?

No! Absolutely not.  Doula support is for everyone. It doesn't matter if you have a partner or other birthing support.

A doula is proven to be beneficial for support partners too so they can be confident in their role.

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What kinds of births do you support?

I can support you throughout all types of birth. It doesn't matter if you are birthing at home, in a birthing suite or having an elective caesarean. I support all types of birth with no judgement.

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Do I still need a midwife?

As a doula I don't focus on the medical aspect of birth. I focus on you and your needs, caring for and supporting you whilst a medical team care for baby's welfare. I can talk to care providers and advocate for you but I do not perform any medical procedures or treatments. Unlike medical professionals who may come and go during shift changes at a birth, your doula is a constant – they are with you from start to finish.  

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What about after the birth?

This is the most important time for you to be nurtured. After you have your baby, I can provide you with help and guidance feeding baby, making meals for you, light cleaning, caring for other children, walking pets so that you can rest, recover and treasure those special moments with your new baby.

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Are you on call for other people at the same time?

No, I only take on one doula client in the same on call period. I'm all yours!

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When do you go 'on call'?

Normally I would go on call and available 24/7 from 38 weeks, but this can be tailored to your individual needs. 

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What happens when I go into labour?

We will have covered a lot of this in your antenatal appointments so you will be prepared.

You would give me a call, we would have a chat on the phone and discuss if you wanted me to come over at that point or wait and keep me updated.  When I come down I am there to hold the space, create your ideal birth setting and to unconditionally support you. This could include things like making food, setting up a birth pool, ensuring your other children are okay, massaging you and creating an amazing birth space.

I am also trained in various techniques to increase comfort throughout pregnancy, labour and birth.  We would go through these in advance at our antenatal appointments.

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Can you come with me to the hospital?

Yes, if you want me to be there. If for some reason, I am not able to attend in person due to any guidelines at the hospital, I am available and able to provide remote/ virtual doula support.  This would be discussed at length in advance.

 

Do you stay for the entire labour and birth, or do you have a time limit for long births?

I will stay for as long as it takes, whether it's 2 hours or 48 hours.

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What happens at the antenatal and postnatal appointments? 

Antenatally, we would get to know each other.  We would discuss your needs, options and birth physiology - what to expect and how to recognise the signs of labour and transition.  We would answer any questions you have and provide you with evidence based information so you can make informed decisions about your care. 

Postnatally, I would support you with feeding (however you choose to feed), nurture you, give you space and time to restore and rest, cook you meals, run a hoover around, basically anything to help you feel good! 

 

Can I email, text, or call you with questions?

Yes, text or call at any time during the on call period. When I am not on call, I prefer text for non urgent requests which I will aim to reply within 24 hours. For urgent requests, text or call and I will usually respond within the hour.

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How long will you stay with me after I give birth?

I will stay for at least 2 hours to help with initial breastfeeding, taking pictures for you if requested and protecting the Golden Hour with your new baby. This can be discussed beforehand in your antenatal appointments.

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What areas do you cover?

I cover within a 40 minute commute of Blackpool/ St. Anne's. So, Poulton, Lytham St Anne's, Thornton, Cleveleys, Fleetwood, Over Wyre, Preston and anywhere in between.

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What happens to my fee if there was no labour support provided?

For example, if you have a fast birth or an emergency C-section due to health reasons and I cannot attend the birth, I can replace the lost time with extra postpartum sessions. These will include a birth debrief if required.

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Can I edit a package?

Yes, absolutely you can.  We can create a complete bespoke package to suit your needs.

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What if I am outside your current area map?

Depending on distance I would be more than happy to be with you for your needs.  I do charge a fee of £10 per 20 miles for petrol costs.

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Can I add more to my package afterwards?

Yes, this is completely possible to do.  You can find extra antenatal or postnatal sessions available to book on the services page.

 

How should I contact you during labour and at what point? Is it okay if it’s in the middle of the night? Are you always on call?

This will be covered in your antenatal appointments which will have given you a good understanding of recognising what stage of labour you are in and when to call me. Even if that's in the middle  of the night.

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Do you take payment by instalments?

Yes, we can organise a payment plan that works for you.

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Do I need to sign contracts?

You would need to sign a contract for all birth packages and antenatal / postnatal hours which detail what I will and will not be able to provide for you.

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Do you take payment other than money?

Yes, we can organise a payment plan that works for you.  This includes exchanging for services.  I work with Doula Fund clients through Doula Access Fund and my volunteer doula work with Doulas Without Borders.  If money is an issue, please contact me and we can work something out.

 

Can I donate to you or pay more than your fee?

Yes, absolutely.  Any monies paid over my fee will be donated to Doula Access Funds, through Doula UK and Doulas Without Borders. Your donations will go towards helping another family to experience the joys of having support when they need it most.

 

Do you offer discounts?

I do not offer discounts, what you are paying for is my time and my expertise in the birthing world.  I have done lots of independent training and always learning more to help enable my clients to have the best experiences possible.