Frequently Asked Questions

A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to individuals and families during pregnancy, labour and birth, and the postpartum period. Doulas are not medical providers and do not offer medical advice, but rather offer guidance, education and support to help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare. The goal of a doula is to help women and their partners have a positive and empowered birth experience. 

 There are lots of good reasons to hire a doula. Whether you're looking for support during labour and delivery or help adjusting to life with a new baby, a doula can make a huge difference. Doulas provide one-on-one support during labour and delivery, which has been shown to reduce the need for medical interventions and make for a more positive birthing experience. They can also provide emotional support, ease anxiety and fear, and help with newborn care and postpartum recovery. Overall, hiring a doula can help make your birth and postpartum experience more positive and empowering. 

It's natural for partners to feel overwhelmed during labour and birth, and they often wonder how they can help. Your partner knows you better than anyone else and is great at supporting you when you're feeling sad, sick, or angry. They also know how to calm you down and motivate you. A doula can help your partner utilise these skills, feel confident and get involved in supporting you during labour and delivery.
While your partner knows you, they may not know how to navigate all things birth and the medical system. A doula is there to help with this too. Lastly, you don't need to worry about a doula interfering with those special first family moments. They know when to step back and let you soak it all in and may even take some photos for you to look back on. 

The short answer is yes, a doula can support you through any type of birth. What a doula can provide will depend on the type of caesarean. If it is an emergency or unplanned caesarean a doula can assist by proving emotional support to you and your partner, keeping you calm and assisting you through a change to your birth plan. They can then assist in planning for and supporting you through your recovery and postpartum.
If you are having a planned caesarean birth there are many options to explore as preferences while developing your birth plan. And again, a doula can assist in planning and supporting recovery and your postpartum. 

Anytime is the right time to hire a doula.  It's generally recommended to hire a doula as early as possible in your pregnancy, to allow time to connect with your doula and best prepare for your labour birth and postpartum. That being said, it's never too late. If you're later in your pregnancy reach out and we can connect and discuss your needs. The most important thing is to hire a doula when you feel ready and comfortable, and when you feel that having a doula will be beneficial for your experience. 

Since my 'Supported' package includes text and call support, we will be chatting frequently in the lead up to your labour. You can text me with questions about any niggles or changes which may occur. This means I will have a good indication to when your labour is starting and can get myself prepared to come meet you. I'm on call for your birth 2 weeks prior to and post your due date, so you can call anytime day or night to let me know it's go time.