Do you feel uncertain and maybe a bit frightened at the thought of your future labour?

Then, consider hiring a Doula.

Do you feel you would like to have a better experience at your next labour than at your previous one; (maybe you felt “disempowered", that things happened without your full consent and this made the experience unnecessarily harrowing)?

Then, consider hiring a Doula.

Do you want to put loads of questions before the “big day” to either midwives, your G.P. or your Obstetrician, but are a bit confused as to exactly what to ask or whom to direct these questions to?

Then, consider hiring a Doula.

Are you feeling puzzled over conflicting advice or things you have heard about your pregnancy or future labour or the early days with your new baby?

Then, consider hiring a Doula.

Do you want someone with you during your labour you know, trust and respect and who has had her own experience of labour, as well as experience in helping other women in labour?

Then, consider hiring a Doula.

Do you want a woman with you in labour whom you not only feel confident in, but who also can guarantee to be with you for the whole duration of the labour?

Then, consider hiring a Doula.

Do you want someone with you in your labour who has no other agenda than to support your wishes, whilst mindful of the safety of you and your baby?

Then, consider hiring a Doula.

Do you want someone with you in your labour who may be able to offer you alternative therapies, such as homeopathy, massage, etc?

Then, consider hiring a Doula.

Do you want someone with you in your labour who can act as an intermediary between you and the medical staff, asking questions on your behalf?

Then, consider hiring a Doula.

Do you want someone with you in labour who can take some of the stress off your partner, if need be?

Then, consider hiring a Doula.

Do you want someone with you in labour who can offer you reassurance and love, and treat you with dignity and respect, no matter what your decisions are?

Then, consider hiring a Doula.

Research has shown that having a Doula at birth can lead to:

• 50% reduction in Caesarean

• 25% shorter labour

• 60% reduction in epidural request

• 30% reduction in analgesia used
   

Kennell J, Klaus M, McGrath S, Robertson S, Hinkley C. JAMA 1991 May 1;265(17):2197-201

Research has shown that 6 weeks after birth, mothers who had Doulas were:

• less anxious and depressed

• more confident with their babies

• more satisfied with their partners (71% vs 30%)

• more likely to be breastfeeding (52% vs 29%)

(From “Mothering” magazine)

I believe that when a woman is enabled to have an empowering birth experience, where she feels that the right decisions were made and where she was respected, her subsequent personality and adjustment to life is improved. She gains in self-confidence and will have a positive outlook. I know there are women for whom the opposite has happened and this is a tragedy not only for the woman, but also can have negative consequences on her relationships with her children and partner.

A doctor once said to me on this subject: "What's the big deal? Life is full of mishaps which can be traumatic and strip you of your confidence; for instance, if you are involved in a road accident". To this man I would like to say, "True, but what you have missed is that the process of having a baby is not an accident. It is not necessary for it to be a traumatic, disempowering event. If we can help it to be the positive event it should be, why don't we do this?"

“We are both very happy that Helen was with us for our amazing birth experience. Her help and support meant so much and played such a big part in our success. I’m delighted that we got the birth we planned and wanted – thanks, Helen.”

Lorna, North London.