Frequently Asked Questions

Every family’s journey is unique, but many of the questions I’m asked fall into a few key themes — from what a doula actually does to how my support works in practice.
If you don’t find your answer below, please get in touch — I’m always happy to chat things through.

1. Understanding a Doula's role?

What does a doula do?
A doula offers continuous emotional, practical, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and the early postnatal period. My role is to listen, reassure, and help you make informed decisions that feel right for you. I work alongside your midwife and medical team — not in place of them — to ensure you feel confident and supported.

How is a doula different from a midwife?
A midwife provides clinical care; a doula focuses on emotional and practical support. I don’t perform medical checks or make clinical decisions, but I do help you understand your options and communicate effectively with your caregivers.

Why do families choose to have a doula?
Many families tell me they want:

Calm, continuous support throughout labour
Evidence-based information when choices arise
Reassurance for their partner
Advocacy for their preferences
Support in the early postnatal weeks

How does having a doula affect birth outcomes?
Yes it does! Research (Cochrane Review 2019) shows that continuous support from a doula can lead to:

39% fewer caesarean births
15% more spontaneous vaginal births
10% less use of pain medication
Shorter labours by an average of 40 minutes
38% fewer babies with low Apgar scores
31% reduction in dissatisfaction with birth experiences

“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.” — Dr. John Kennell

2. What a Doula Doesn't Do

Doulas are not medically trained and never take over clinical roles. My purpose is to complement your medical care, not replace it.
I do not:

Perform medical or midwifery tasks (e.g. vaginal exams, monitoring the baby’s heart rate)
Give medical advice or interpret test results
Make medical decisions or diagnose conditions
Speak on your behalf or make choices for you
Replace your partner’s role — I support both of you
Pressure or persuade you to make particular decisions
Guarantee a specific birth outcome or pain-free labour

My aim is to empower you — not to direct you. I help you understand your options, trust your instincts, and feel supported no matter how your birth unfolds.

3. Working with me

When should I book you?
Anytime really. Most families reach out between 12 and 20 weeks, but I occasionally take later bookings if space allows.

How do we get started?
It starts with a free 30-minute call (Zoom or phone). It’s an informal chance for us to chat and see whether we’re the right fit. If you decide to go ahead support starts straight away, I’ll send over a contract and we’ll schedule your antenatal sessions after that.

What’s included in your birth package?

An initial zoom call/in person chat to get to know each other better – just chatting about anything and everything. During this session we can look at diaries and schedule your antenatal sessions.
WhatsApp/phone support from as soon as you sign the contract (before and after appointments to make sure you have all the questions/follow-up info you need, but also ad hoc when you have a question or concern you need support with).
2 x 2/3 hour evidence based antenatal sessions to help you prepare for birth and iron out any concerns you have – we prefer to do these in your home so that you are more comfortable, but if one or either of you need to do via zoom this is fine. Usually around 28/30 and 32/34 weeks.
An electronic copy of antenatal preparation sessions PowerPoint deck. Containing all the information we discussed during your sessions, including links to video’s (biomechanics, breastfeeding etc) and evidence-based information for you to review again in your own time.
Access to the ‘client only’ area of The Doula Hub website containing many videos and resources to help you through pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
Help in creating your birth preferences doc (or docs if you want to have a plan B/C too).
Should any intervention be offered by your medical team, I will help you to navigate this by sending you evidence-based information that is relevant to your circumstance and follow this up with additional zoom calls to help you make informed choices about the type of intervention you may or may not want, and how to communicate this to your medical advisors.
Attend your 36-week midwife appointment, where possible, should you be using the homebirth team for birth.
Both myself and my back up Doula will endeavour to visit in the last trimester to just have a coffee catch-up, help with your hospital bag and chat about anything you like.
On-call support (24hr) from 10 days before your baby is due until baby arrives. Obviously if you go into labour before the on call period I will absolutely be there to support you if I can.
In person support throughout the birth, including comfort measures and help in advocating for the birth you want and reminding you of all the things we discussed during the antenatal sessions. If you choose to have an abdominal delivery I will be with you before and after the birth, but also in theatre if we can get this signed off by the hospital.
Support through the golden hours and help with feeding and getting you set up and comfortable.
Postnatal visit to check in with your recovery, feeding, bonding etc and see what extra help you might need (usually day 3/4 or 5).
WhatsApp support for 6+ weeks postnatally for any questions or concerns you may have.
Assistance in choosing a postnatal doula should you need it.

What if you’re unavailable when I go into labour?
I work with a trusted back-up doula whom you’ll meet during pregnancy so you’re fully comfortable with either of us being there for your birth. For more info have a look at The Doula Hub.

Do you support all types of families and births?
Yes — I support all birth settings (free birth, home, hospital, caesarean) and all family structures, including single parents, same-sex couples, and surrogacy arrangements.

Do you offer postnatal support?
Yes. I visit you in the first few days to check in, help with feeding and recovery, and talk through your birth if you wish. I also provide WhatsApp support for six weeks and can connect you with trusted postnatal doulas or lactation specialists.

Can you help with breastfeeding or bottle feeding?

Yes — I have extensive experience and additional training in infant feeding support, and I can help with both breastfeeding and bottle feeding. My aim is to make feeding feel calm, confident, and responsive — whatever your feeding journey looks like. If more specialised support is needed, I can signpost you to highly trusted IBCLC lactation consultants, tongue-tie specialists, or other feeding professionals I work closely with. This ensures you get the right level of care quickly and from people I know and trust.

4. Practical Details

Which areas do you cover?
I’m based in South West London and cover most of London and parts of Surrey. If you’re further afield, please get in touch — I sometimes travel for clients.

What are your payment options?
A deposit secures your place, and the balance is due by 36 weeks. Flexible payment plans are available — just ask.

What if I need to cancel?
Life happens. If your plans change, I’ll always do my best to accommodate you. Full details are in the contract, and I’m happy to discuss any situation personally.

Are you insured?
Yes — I hold full doula insurance that includes public liability insurance and hold an enhanced DBS.

Can I claim doula services on private insurance?
Some private policies with flexible wellness budgets allow it especially companies such as Carrot.

What Evidence & Research is there around Doulas

Are doulas evidence-based?
Yes. Multiple Cochrane reviews show clear benefits to continuous labour support. Doulas help improve satisfaction, reduce interventions, and promote better outcomes for parents and babies.

I share up-to-date, evidence-based information in all my antenatal sessions, so you can make informed decisions that feel right for your family.

Where can I learn more?
Visit Evidence Based Birth or Cochrane Library for the latest research summaries.