Are doulas regulated? No. There is no legal regulation or protection for working as a doula. Anyone can call themselves a doula, even if they have no training. Always ask what training a potential doula has if you are not sure. Doula UK is a membership organisation for Doulas, to join you must have completed an accredited course and complete a mentorship, All members must follow their code of conduct and keep up with their CPD. Not all doulas are members of Doula UK.
Are all doulas the same? No. All doulas will have different experience and training. Doulas are as diverse as the families they serve and that means they all practice differently. It is important you are comfortable with the doula you choose and their views are a match to your own. Most doulas will suggest you meet with a few doulas before making your decision to ensure you choose the right doula for you.
Does a doula replace my partner? No! A doula is there to support you both, a good doula will work jointly with you as a couple during pregnancy to support you both to learn the best ways to support each other. A doula will offer suggestions of things your partner could do and will be there to support your partner during the birth and ensure they are able to eat, drink and take a break if needed.
Can a doula tell me what I should do? No! Doulas are not medically trained and do not advise you or make decisions for you. If you feel you need mroe information to be able to make a decision a doula can signpost you to relevant organisations or evidence, they can support you in asking questions and having discussions with healthcare professionals and they can let you know what your legal rights are. A doula will support you whatever decision you make and their personal beliefs or choices should not impact your choice.
Can my doula do a Vaginal exam to check my progress before I call my midwife? Doulas do NOT perform any medical check or procedure, doulas cannot give medical advice or check the wellbeing of you or your baby.
If I have a doula, when should I call the midwife/go into hospital? The same time you would if you didn't have a doula. A doula is not a replacement for a midwife or healthcare professional.
Do doulas support births in hospital? Yes! Doulas support all births, some have more experience with home births but a good doula will support you in all your birth choices.
I'm having an elective ceasarean is there any point hiring a doula? Yes! Doulas can offer emotional and practical supprot for all types of births, a doula can help you prepare for your birth and support you emotionally in the run up to the big day. A doula can be there in recovery to support establishing feeding and in those early days and weeks as you recover from surgery and get to know your baby.
Will having a doula ensure I have a certain kind of birth? While the evidence shows that continuity during pregnancy and birth does impact some outcomes, hiring a doula is not a way of ensuring you have a "perfect" birth. Having a doula there will certainly increase your likelihood of having a positive experience even if things do not go to plan. A doula will work hard to ensure you are listened to, respected and supported to make your own decisions about your care.
Are all doulas the same? No. All doulas will have different experience and training. Doulas are as diverse as the families they serve and that means they all practice differently. It is important you are comfortable with the doula you choose and their views are a match to your own. Most doulas will suggest you meet with a few doulas before making your decision to ensure you choose the right doula for you.
Does a doula replace my partner? No! A doula is there to support you both, a good doula will work jointly with you as a couple during pregnancy to support you both to learn the best ways to support each other. A doula will offer suggestions of things your partner could do and will be there to support your partner during the birth and ensure they are able to eat, drink and take a break if needed.
Can a doula tell me what I should do? No! Doulas are not medically trained and do not advise you or make decisions for you. If you feel you need mroe information to be able to make a decision a doula can signpost you to relevant organisations or evidence, they can support you in asking questions and having discussions with healthcare professionals and they can let you know what your legal rights are. A doula will support you whatever decision you make and their personal beliefs or choices should not impact your choice.
Can my doula do a Vaginal exam to check my progress before I call my midwife? Doulas do NOT perform any medical check or procedure, doulas cannot give medical advice or check the wellbeing of you or your baby.
If I have a doula, when should I call the midwife/go into hospital? The same time you would if you didn't have a doula. A doula is not a replacement for a midwife or healthcare professional.
Do doulas support births in hospital? Yes! Doulas support all births, some have more experience with home births but a good doula will support you in all your birth choices.
I'm having an elective ceasarean is there any point hiring a doula? Yes! Doulas can offer emotional and practical supprot for all types of births, a doula can help you prepare for your birth and support you emotionally in the run up to the big day. A doula can be there in recovery to support establishing feeding and in those early days and weeks as you recover from surgery and get to know your baby.
Will having a doula ensure I have a certain kind of birth? While the evidence shows that continuity during pregnancy and birth does impact some outcomes, hiring a doula is not a way of ensuring you have a "perfect" birth. Having a doula there will certainly increase your likelihood of having a positive experience even if things do not go to plan. A doula will work hard to ensure you are listened to, respected and supported to make your own decisions about your care.
