What is a Doula?
Fact Checked
25th May 2024
Doulas are recommended by mothers world wide- and with good reason; they help to provide physical and emotional support during birth (and after!)- and can help to make the childbirth process much less stressful. But exactly what is a doula? How can a doula support you?
This article- written by Imogen Zybert from Derbyshire Doula- our expert doula in Manchester, will answer those questions and more.
In this article:
- What is a Doula?
- When Could I Hire a Doula?
- Would a Doula Come to the Birth?
- What Would My Doula Help with During the Birth?
- Is it Possible to have a postnatal Doula?
- What Would a Postnatal Doula do?
- What Should I Look for when Choosing a Doula?
- Contact Derbyshire Doula
What is a Doula?
A doula is a trained professional who can take on many different roles. These roles are aimed to focus on you and your family. For example, I support families through a significant health-related experience, such as childbirth, postnatal support, miscarriage, or stillbirths. We are there for the family.
When Could I Hire A Doula?
You can hire a Doula at any stage of your pregnancy, although it is recommended that the sooner you book the better. For example, I am already taking on clients in September, so if you are thinking about using a doula reach out, most Doulas offer a free supportive chat where you can clarify if dates are available.
Would a Doula Come to the Birth?
Depending on your requirements, yes absolutely. For me I am on call exclusively to my clients four weeks before and after thier due date. If at any point ( night or day) a birthing person goes into labour, they would give me a call and I would come out to you. I then remain with the family until baby has arrived and the family is settled.
What Would My Doula Help with During the Birth?
You may think that hiring birth doulas is not worth the money, but with a birth doula by your side, you’ll be able to make informed decisions, minimize your fears and labour pains, and just have an overall better birth experience. You’re also less likely to have an epidural and cesarean section. I am here to protect your birthing space and allow you and your partner to remain in a positive mental state. As a doula, I will also help you to communicate with the medical team when necessary. I bring a wealth of knowledge from various births and techniques that will help speed up labour, this can help empower your birthing space and help you remain in control.
Is it Possible to have a Postnatal Doula?
Yes absolutely! A Postnatal Doula is a fabulous investment. With so much attention given to baby it’s easy to forget the person who gave birth. Having someone who is devoted to you after your birth is such a wonderful gift.
What Would a Postnatal Doula do?
The postnatal period can be lonely, scary and confusing. Having a postpartum doula is like having a friend around who you can ask for advice to, cry to and vent to. So why not just have a friend come round? Because a postnatal Doula also can bring in the added benefits of helping around the house, letting you sleep, cooking, cleaning, feeding support, burping support, baby techniques, safe sleeping the list goes on. It’s kinda like having your very own baby guide right there in the house with you!
What Should I Look for When Choosing a Doula?
If you are wanting to use a Doula, first work out what you are needing specifically. There are so many beautiful and unique Doulas out there that have many different talents. From hypnobirthing, free-births, miscarriage, mental health support, we are all a beautiful mix of colours! So try and work out what you are wanting from your birth and then match that with a doula. Always ask for a free supportive chat so you can get to know them first and ensure that they are free. Ensure that your Doula is pretty local (although I have travelled from Manchester to London to support a family, not all doulas will !) Lastly, if possible try to include your birthing partner in the conversation, it’s important that they are feeling safe with using a doula too!
Contact Derbyshire Doula
Website: https://www.derbyshiredoula.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/douladerbyshire/
My name is Imogen Zybert, I am 32 years young and I have two children. For the past 5 years I have been supporting families by offering pregnancy and birth related guidance, as well as providing one to one support as a birth partner during your labor.
I am fully DBS checked and have training in baby loss and coping with grief. This year I have trained in reflexology and run sessions with families teaching the different pressure points that could be used to relieve stress and labour pains.
Also, this year I was awarded the high peak hero award for providing pregnancy support during Covid-19.
