FAQ

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What is the difference between a doula and a mother's help/childminder/nanny?

Doulas are unique in the support and help they offer. A doula can provide practical and emotional support throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period, ensuring continuity and easing the transition to parenthood.

Unlike other forms of support available, where the prime focus is often on the baby or children, a doula's role is to support the mother and her family, enabling her to feel confident and able to adapt more easily to the challenges a new baby can bring. For more details on the roles of an antenatal, birth and postnatal doula see Services.

What training/qualifications do doulas have?

All doulas who are registered with Doula UK will have undergone training and follow an assessment process in order to become fully recognised. Some may also have childcare or midwifery qualifications and experience. Most doulas are mothers themselves and so have personal experience of having a young family and all the joys and tribulations that brings!

I am a recognised birth doula and trainee postnatal doula with Doula UK. I am also a qualified Nursery Nurse and Antenatal Teacher.

What about insurance and police checks?

Ideally all doulas should hold their own insurance. This is usually Public Liability insurance. They should also have had an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. The CRB, an Executive Agency of the Home Office, provides access to criminal record information through its Disclosure service . Although this is not a legal requirement it gives you peace of mind that your doula has had a thorough Police check. You can ask to see details of these if you are unsure.

I have Public Liability insurance with Morton Michel and hold a current Enhanced CRB certificate.

What are the benefits of having a birth doula?

A birth doula is experienced in supporting women and their partners during labour and birth. The calming, reassuring presence of a birth doula has been shown to have many benefits such as:

• Shortens first-time labour by an average of 2 hours
• Decreases the chance of caesarean section by 50%
• Decreases the need for pain medication
• Helps fathers participate with confidence
• Increases success in breastfeeding

Findings from "Mothering the Mother", Klaus, Kennell & Klaus, 1993

For details of further research on doulas, visit www.doula.org.uk.

If I hire a birth doula, do I still need a midwife?

Yes. Birth doulas do not replace the role of a midwife as they do not offer medical advice or get involved in clinical care. A birth doula provides continual support, comfort and encouragement during labour – enhancing the birth experience.

Although it is not illegal to have an 'unassisted birth', to give birth without a midwife, anyone who is not qualified and assists a woman to give birth, can be prosecuted.