Doula and covid: would this bother you?

[Joeyandpacey]

I’m trying to find a doula for when I give birth. I’ve met a great person and I’m trying to find a time for her to meet the whole family before I sign up.

The first time we were due to meet she had to cancel because her daughter had to go to a party. I was surprised with covid and all that. She said it’s fine because they’re all at school together which I understand but it’s also against the guidelines at the moment.

We’re trying to rearrange for New Years. She said she’d have to let me know as they might be staying with family for Xmas.

We’re due to go into tier 4 on Boxing Day so I can’t figure how it could be ok for them to still be there on New Years. They’re a two parent family with no babies. Could this somehow be a support bubble? I don’t really know how they work.

I’m so careful about covid in this pregnancy, it seems such a cavalier attitude to break the rules then expect to care for vulnerable pregnant women.

I haven’t challenged for directly on this yet. Have I missed something and there are loopholes where this is ok? It’s a shame as she’s perfect in every other way.

I wouldn’t want someone liking after me at my most vulnerable and my baby in very close contact if they were openly breaking the rules like that. If they don’t see the virus as a problem they won’t take measure to keep you safe

Yes that’s what I was thinking. Although there’s no guarantee any health care professional is keeping the rules. I suppose she could be in a bubble with her mum or something? But again, could not be.

I would maybe continue the search, don't think she's really following the rules. I presumed you have checked that if ur planing a hospital birth that a doula is allowed, wouldn't want you to spend money then not to be allowed them to attended the birth.

Thanks boymum. Planning a homebirth so fingers crossed! There’s another one I liked but I looked at her Instagram and she was all like ‘off to yoga today/ seeing my astrologer tomorrow/hiking with friends today...’ so maybe it’s gonna be hard to find someone who takes it seriously.

Good luck with ur search hope u find someone that's suitable

I have a doula but I would not want to work with a doula who flouted the rules. I'm really worried about Covid, and my doula understands this. There are lots of fab doulas out there. You need to be able to trust her: I think you should keep looking. Doulas are expensive and the success of the support they give is based on trusting in them.
I assume you've checked doula.org.uk/?
xx