Experience support that nurtures you and your baby

A doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to you before, during, and shortly after birth. 

In Gloucestershire, a doula can help you during the antenatal period by answering questions, offering comfort measures, and helping you create a birth plan. During labour, they provide continuous support, using techniques like massage, breathing exercises, and positioning to make you more comfortable. After the birth, a doula can assist with postnatal care, helping you settle into life with your new baby. 

They are there to support both you and your partner, helping make sure you feel confident and empowered throughout the whole process.

Finding the right doula involves a bit of research and personal connection. Start by asking for recommendations from friends, family, or healthcare providers. You can also search online directories or local doula organisations. 

When you have a few candidates, arrange interviews to see who you feel most comfortable with. Ask about their experience, training, and approach to birth. It’s important to choose someone you trust and feel at ease with, as they will be by your side during a very intimate and significant moment.

When meeting a potential doula, it’s essential to ask questions that will help you understand their approach and experience. Consider asking about their training and how long they’ve been working as a doula. Talk about their philosophy on birth and how they handle unexpected situations. 

You can also ask about the services they offer, such as antenatal visits, support during labour, and postnatal care. Finally, trust your instincts on whether you feel comfortable and supported by this person.

The cost of hiring a doula in Gloucestershire can vary based on their experience, the range of services offered, and the length of time they will be providing support. Typically, you might expect to pay anywhere from £500 to £1,200. Some doulas offer payment plans or sliding scale fees to make their services more accessible.

When discussing fees, make sure you understand what’s included, such as antenatal visits, support during labour, and postnatal visits. Remember, investing in a doula can provide significant benefits for your birth experience.

Absolutely! A doula can support you regardless of where you choose to give birth. Whether you’re planning a hospital birth, home birth, or birth centre, a doula will be there to provide continuous support. 

In a hospital setting, they can help you communicate your birth preferences to the medical staff, offer comfort measures, and provide emotional reassurance. Their presence can help you feel more relaxed and confident, no matter the environment. Always discuss your birth plan with your doula to make sure they can support your specific needs.

Yes, a doula can be incredibly supportive during a C-section, whether it’s planned or unexpected. They can help you prepare by discussing what to expect and answering your questions. 

During the procedure, they can offer emotional support, helping to keep you calm and focused. After the birth, a doula can assist with initial bonding and breastfeeding and bottle feeding, and provide postnatal care as you recover. Having a doula can make a difference in helping you feel supported and informed throughout the experience.

A doula and a midwife have different roles in the birthing process. 

A midwife is a healthcare professional responsible for the clinical aspects of pregnancy, labour, and postnatal care. They monitor the health of both mother and baby, perform medical procedures, and manage any complications.

A doula, on the other hand, provides non-medical support. They focus on your emotional and physical comfort, offering continuous presence and personalised care. 

The two can work together to ensure you have a safe, positive birth experience, with the midwife handling medical needs and the doula providing additional support.

During the postnatal period, a doula can be a source of support and guidance. They can help with breastfeeding, provide practical assistance with baby care, and offer emotional support as you adjust to life with a newborn. 

Doulas can also assist with light household tasks, giving you more time to rest and bond with your baby. Having a doula can reduce stress, improve breastfeeding success, and help you take care of your overall well-being during the often-challenging postnatal period. 

Yes, we offer doula support beyond Gloucestershire. Our network stretches across the UK, including areas like London, Brighton, Manchester, and Liverpool. We’re also happy to connect you with doulas in many international locations, from major US cities to beautiful spots in Australia and Southeast Asia.

If your area isn’t listed, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re constantly expanding our network and would love to find a doula that’s a perfect fit for you, wherever you are.