As part of the support for labour a Doula will meet with a mum or couple during the antenatal period to ensure compatibility. She will offer preparation for childbirth education and discuss labour preferences.
She will go on call for a period of four weeks, from 38weeks until baby is born, usually supported by a second Doula who you will also have the opportunity to meet.

Your Doula will be with you during established labour to assist you and your partner in many ways, offering encouragement, helping with position changes and mobility, hydration, nourishment, massage, breathing exercises and relaxation. As well as helping you to remain calm and in control, a Doula will support a partner in whatever participation he feels comfortable with.

It is not the role of the Doula to instruct, to influence or to give clinical care or advice, nor will she replace the partner or inhibit his involvement, rather she will anticipate, encourage and offer practical and psychological support regarding comfort measures, enhancing that powerful sense of fulfilment.

Following the birth of your baby your Doula can stay with you for the first hour if wished and she can help you to feed your baby if that is your preference. Alternatively if you would prefer that private bonding time with your partner and new baby your Doula will take her leave and return to see you in the early postnatal period to ensure you are settling at home with baby.

There is an abundance of research supporting the continuity of caregivers during childbirth to enhance the birthing experience, minimise the need for pain relief, decrease the incidence of operative delivery and increase the success of breast feeding.

Fortunately in Jersey we are afforded that one to one midwifery care which contributes to that continuity of care during labour.

Alternatively postnatal doulas provide non-medical care in the home covering practical, educational and emotional support. A doulas role is to offer non-judgemental guidance and encouragement in aspects of parenting.

Postnatal Doulas enjoy the most flexible of roles as this may change from day to day; meeting a mums needs to assist her in her care of baby and enhance her well-being and enjoyment of this time.

Although education and learning both life and occupational skills is accepted as normal, who prepares us for the steep learning curve of caring for and meeting the needs of a newborn infant?

When this is combined with lifestyle adjustments, particularly with a first baby, and the physical and emotional changes a new mother experiences, it can prove to be challenging and sometimes overwhelming.

The postnatal Doula is there to guide, empower and facilitate this learning time whilst offering practical and emotional support in many ways from assistance with breast feeding, infant care to light household chores.

Postnatal Doulas also make sure that mums are fed, hydrated and comfortable and offer support in ensuring other children do not feel left out. Dad also benefits from Doula support, whether that be from education regarding baby care or just knowing there will be a meal prepared at the end of a working day.

The early days and weeks following a baby’s birth are a very special time, a period of recovery and adaptation, a time to enjoy the moment rather than it slipping past in a flurry of activity or anxiety.

Woman to woman support can enhance bonding and the psychological development of mother and baby. Your Doula can be that woman.