Doula or not Doula?

[Phoenix2022]

Hi Guys,

I am based in London and was advised to use a Doula service, which I am very tempted to take however I also would like to take some private tests (NIPT) and the cost of all of the combined private treatments gets pretty high. I was wondering if some of you had the opportunity to deal with a Doula and what did you think about that?
My GP and midwife keep missing my UTIs for example unless I ask them and I am concerned about giving birth. I am wondering if their support will actually ease my journey through the pregnancy.

Many thanks for your answers.

I'm a doula .... is there anything you would like to ask me?

They are a nice luxury, but incredibly expensive and not essential.

Is there someone in your life who could help support you get the right care? If so I’d try that first.

@ChateauMargaux I'll jump in! (Sorry OP) what is your typical "package" for pregnant women. Do women pay per visit to you, or or for the duration of the pregnancy/labour/post-birth? In covid times, I guess you cannot be in the labour room, but is that just one small part of your job?

@ChateauMargaux

I'm a doula .... is there anything you would like to ask me?

@ChateauMargaux thank you. I am a foreigner and have no family I'd like to understand what service is offered in the package (silly question but do you answer unlimited questions for example, do you coach us on how we need to push whilst giving birth? Will you be there on the day of the delivery?) just to understand how you accompany the patient really through the whole journey?

@Luredbyapomegranate yes it is pricey so I really need to think about this before I commit so it's a good advice to see what I can find first.

I structure a package because it allows people to understand how contact I expect to be able to offer. I offer 4 pre birth sessions, attendance at the birth and 2 post birth sessions. I am flexible though.... so I think most people get what they need. Once we have agreed to work together.. my doors are open. I respond to the person in front of me so for some, there is very little outside of the sessions, for others I answer lots of questions, attend appointments, pass on links and information, record relaxation tracks and tap into my other complimentary offerings (aromatherapy, reiki and homeopathy... but only of the client wants). I support all births and take my lead from the client... I listen first and then offer what I believe they want. I have supported single mothers, mothers whose partners couldn't be at the birth, cesareans, birth centres but the vast majority are standard hospital births. Most hospitals are allowing doulas at the moment. I actually work in Europe and many of my clients are people who don't have family or close friends nearby.

I have training in hypnobirthing, breastfeeding and biomechanics for birth and I do talk through the birth process and what happens ar each stage and how to help things along of everything is going smoothly and what do to if things are not. We do not get in the way of the hospital staff and our primary role is emotional support. We are not about natural birth at all cost but are 100% about helping our clients to have the best birth possible under their individual circumstances.

I also offer birth preparation sessions if someone doesn't want a full package and that usually means an open door too. My clients have many different reasons for choosing to work with a doula and yes it is an expensive choice. I would love for everyone who wants to have this support to have it.

@ChateauMargaux

I also offer birth preparation sessions if someone doesn't want a full package and that usually means an open door too. My clients have many different reasons for choosing to work with a doula and yes it is an expensive choice. I would love for everyone who wants to have this support to have it.

Thanks a lot @ChateauMargaux Is there a way I can get your quote? Not sure if there are private messages on here

I have sent you a PM but have decided to also copy the information on here in case it is useful. I am not actually based in the UK so not in a position to support you.

I trained with nurturingbirthdirectory.com/
Other places to look are www.thedouladirectory.com/home
and findmydoula.co.uk/doulas/.

I wish you all the very best for your birth.

I went for a postpartum doula. It was a really sensible investment. She built a rapport with the family and meant that I wasn’t reliant on others to help, which was important to me this time round.

I had a doula at all my births. To me it is a godsend.
My DH, bless him, gets very intimidated by hospital staff and will go along with whatever they say or do- so no support or advocacy for me. My doula was primarily my voice (i actually used 2 different ones because of availability at the time). She made me feel I have someone sticking up for me, who knows what I want and is there for ME. Best thing i've ever done, I have such wonderful memories of my births because I felt so supported and understood.

If you DP/mum/anyone else is the type to be able to support you with what you need, then you might not need a doula. But if like me you don't have anyone else then definitely go for it.

In my personal experience feeling safe and supported is most important to the labouring woman, and that is what my doula gave me.