Frequently Asked Questions

A doula provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to you and your partner before, during, and after birth. I help with:

• Physical comfort: Massage, positioning, breathing techniques, use of birth ball, rebozo, TENS machine, etc.
• Emotional support: Encouragement, reassurance, a calm presence, and helping you feel safe and confident
• Information: Explaining what's happening, discussing your options, helping you make informed decisions
• Partner support: Showing your partner how they can help, allowing them breaks, reducing their stress
• Advocacy: Ensuring your wishes are heard and respected

Unlike midwives who provide medical care, doulas focus entirely on your wellbeing and experience. We don't perform medical tasks - we're there for YOU.

Midwives provide medical care. They:

• Monitor your baby's heartbeat
• Check your blood pressure and vitals
• Perform vaginal examinations
• Deliver your baby
• Handle medical interventions if needed
• Care for multiple women during their shift

Doulas provide non-medical support. We:

• Stay with YOU continuously throughout labour
• Focus on your comfort and emotional needs
• Never leave your side for shift changes
• Provide techniques for coping with contractions
• Support your birth partner
• Help you understand your options

We work together as a team! You need a midwife for medical care, and a doula for continuous personal support. Think of it this way: the midwife cares for your body and baby, while the doula cares for your experience and emotions.

Absolutely! Your partner is irreplaceable - they love you and you love them. But labour is a unique and intense experience, and your partner may:

• Feel uncertain about how to help
• Not know effective comfort techniques
• Feel stressed or overwhelmed themselves
• Need breaks for food, rest, or bathroom
• Want support and guidance too

With a doula, I:

• Show your partner effective massage and positioning techniques
• Explain what's happening so they understand the process
• Allow them to take breaks without you being alone
• Support them emotionally too
• Help them feel confident and involved

Many partners tell me that having a doula allowed them to be more present and enjoy the birth rather than feeling stressed or helpless. Instead of replacing your partner, I empower them to support you better!

No, never! Your birth, your choices. My role is to:

• Provide information about your options
• Help you understand what healthcare providers are suggesting
• Ensure you have time to ask questions
• Support whatever decisions YOU make

I'm here to ensure you feel informed and empowered to make your own choices. Whether you want an epidural, a home birth, a caesarean, or anything else - I support YOU and your decisions without judgment.

Not at all! I support ALL types of births:

• Epidural births: I help with positioning, provide emotional support, and assist with comfort until you get your epidural
• Inductions: I help you stay comfortable during the induction process
• Caesareans: I can be with you in theatre (if hospital allows), help with early breastfeeding, and provide emotional support
• Home births: I have extensive home birth experience and can provide a birth pool
• Water births: In hospital or at home
• VBACs: Special support for vaginal birth after caesarean

Whatever type of birth you plan or end up having, I'm there to support YOU. Your comfort and wellbeing matter in every scenario.

My fees are:

• Complete Birth Package: £900 - Includes antenatal sessions, on-call availability from 37 weeks, continuous labour support, and postnatal visits
• Birth Preparation Sessions: £160 - Antenatal education and preparation without birth attendance
• Postnatal Support: £175 per session - Help with baby care, breastfeeding, and household tasks
• Birth Pool Hire: £75 - Professional birth pool for home water births

I believe every family deserves doula support. If finances are a concern, please contact me to discuss payment plans or flexible options. Don't let cost prevent you from reaching out!

The £900 Complete Birth Package includes:

Before Birth:

• Initial consultation meeting (free)
• 2-3 antenatal sessions (2-3 hours each) in your home
• Birth plan discussion and preparation
• Unlimited phone/email support
• Loan of books and resources
• On-call availability from 37 weeks

During Birth:

• Continuous support throughout active labour
• Comfort measures (massage, positioning, breathing)
• Support for your birth partner
• Advocacy for your wishes
• Support at home, hospital, or birth centre
• Birth photography (if you'd like)

After Birth:

• 2-3 postnatal visits in your home
• Breastfeeding support
• Birth story discussion
• Continued support as needed

Yes! I'm flexible with payment because I want doula support to be accessible. Options include:

• Monthly instalments from booking until birth
• Deposit at booking, remainder before 37 weeks
• Custom plans based on your situation

We can discuss what works best for your family during our initial consultation. Please don't hesitate to ask - I want to make this work for you!

Ideal timing: Second trimester (around 20-28 weeks) gives us plenty of time to build our relationship and ensures I'm available.

But don't worry if you're further along! I've supported families who contacted me:

• In their third trimester
• Just weeks before their due date
• Even in early labour!

If you're interested in doula support, reach out regardless of how far along you are. The worst I can say is that I'm already booked, but I may know other excellent doulas who are available.

Yes! The initial consultation is completely free with no obligation. This gives us a chance to:

• Meet each other and see if we're a good fit
• Discuss your hopes and concerns about birth
• Talk about how I can support you
• Answer all your questions
• Go over services and pricing

Choosing a doula is a very personal decision, and it's important that you feel comfortable with me. There's no pressure to commit - just a friendly chat about your birth!

Typically 2-3 sessions, each lasting 2-3 hours, in the comfort of your home. We cover:

Session 1:

• How labour works and what to expect
• Comfort measures and coping techniques
• Breathing and relaxation exercises
• Positions for labour and birth

Session 2:

• Partner's role and how they can help
• Birth plan discussion
• What to pack for hospital/prepare for home birth
• When to call me and when to go to hospital

Session 3 (if needed):

• Early breastfeeding
• Newborn care basics
• Postpartum preparation
• Final questions and preparation

We can adjust the number and content based on your specific needs and whether this is your first baby.

Yes! From 37 weeks until your baby is born, I'm on call for you day and night. This means:

• My phone is always on and within reach
• I can be contacted anytime, any day
• I stay within reasonable distance of your area
• I don't travel far or take holidays
• I'm ready to come when you need me

You can call or text me when contractions start, if your waters break, or if you just need reassurance. I'll talk you through early labour and let you know when I should come.

This is rare because I carefully limit the number of clients I take each month to avoid due date overlaps. However, if it happens:

• I have a backup doula who knows your birth plan
• You'll meet them during pregnancy
• They're highly experienced and qualified
• I'll join you as soon as I'm able

In over 10 years, I've rarely had to use a backup, but it's important to have this safety net for your peace of mind.

I remain on call! Most babies come within 2 weeks either side of the due date, and I'm available throughout this window. Whether you go at 37 weeks or 42 weeks, I'll be there.

If your pregnancy goes beyond 41-42 weeks and you need an induction, I support you through that too. We'll discuss your options and I'll be with you during the induction process.

Of course! Birth plans are guidelines, not contracts. Labour is unpredictable, and you might:

• Decide you want pain relief when you didn't plan to
• Need medical interventions you didn't expect
• Change your mind about positions or preferences

My job is to support YOUR choices in the moment, whatever they are. If you want to change your mind about anything, that's completely okay. I'm here to support you, not your birth plan!

I'm based in Crawley, West Sussex and serve families across:

• West Sussex: Crawley, Horsham, Haywards Heath, Worthing, and surrounding areas
• East Sussex: Parts of East Sussex
• Surrey: Horley, Reigate, and nearby areas

If you're outside these areas, please still contact me - I may be able to help or recommend another doula.

Yes! I have experience supporting births at:

• Worthing Hospital
• East Surrey Hospital (Redhill)
• Princess Royal Hospital (Haywards Heath)
• St Richard's Hospital (Chichester)

I'm familiar with each hospital's facilities, policies, and layout. I also know many of the local midwives and have good working relationships with hospital staff.

Planning to birth at a different hospital? No problem - I'm happy to support you there too!

Absolutely! I have extensive home birth experience and love supporting families who choose to birth at home. I can:

• Provide a professional birth pool (£75 hire)
• Help set up your birth space
• Work with your community midwives
• Support you if transfer to hospital becomes necessary

Home births are beautiful and I'm experienced in supporting them throughout our area.

I come with you! If you plan a home birth but need to transfer to hospital, I:

• Accompany you in the ambulance or car
• Continue providing support at the hospital
• Help you adjust to the change in environment
• Ensure your wishes are still heard and respected

Having a familiar face with you during an unexpected change can make a huge difference in how you feel about the experience.

Yes! I have:

• Full Professional Liability Insurance
• Current DBS (CRB) Check
• Certification from Nurturing Birth
• Recognition from Doula UK
• First Aid training
• Regular continued professional development

I take my professional responsibilities seriously and maintain all required qualifications and certifications.