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Frequently Asked Questions

What experience do you have?

I have attended couples in labour since 2004 and my experience ranges from home waterbirth to caesarean section including forceps delivery, augmented and induced labour, and Vbac (vaginal birth after caesarean) first time parents to second and third time parents and fainting partners!!

Isn't that what midwives do?

Many NHS midwives do offer one-to-one care. The difference is that you will have met and got to know me before you go into labour and I shall be with you throughout your labour and birth no matter how long or complex you labour may be. you may arrive at hospital an hour before a shift change and so see two or more midwives during your labour. Midwives have to take a break and go home when their shift changes, the NHS can't function any other way! A Doula offers you continuity of care.

Why does it cost so much - just for one day's work?

You are not just paying me to attend you when you are in labour. You are paying for me to stay within an hour's drive of you for four weeks. This means my family and I have to make efforts to be available at a moment's notice.This also has a baring on my children's care-givers who also have to be available at a moment's notice. There are 672 hours in that four week period so you will be paying me just over 74p per hour not counting the antenatal or post natal visits.

What if you can't make it on the day?

I am in touch with several local doulas and we all try to back each other up if we can. It is most unusual for a doula to be unable to attend a client, however there is a "plan B" in place, just incase. If no-one can attend you, you will get a full refund minus your deposit.

Do most of your clients birth at home?

Many people think that doulas are anti-hospital but this is not true. I will support you wherever you choose to have your baby and have attended couples planning hospital births too.

What if I change my mind?

£100 of your deposit is non refundable. If you decide not to go ahead more than 30 days before the on-call period you will not be requested to pay any more than expences from antenatal visits that may have taken place. If you cancel after the second payment has been paid (usually less than 30 days before the on-call period) you will not be requested to pay any more than expences from antenatal visits. If you cancel during the on-call period, you will be requested payment in full including any antenatal expences and no post-natal visits will be arranged.