So you’ve heard about doulas. But what do they do, exactly?
All questions are good questions here.
Doulas can offer a spectrum of services in a number of situations from birth to end of life care. Regardless of the specific hiring brief, the overall goal is the same; to be in service to someone during an eventful time and support them however they require.
Most commonly, the services of a doula are linked to labour and birth and postpartum, which is what I do!
During labour doulas can provide assistance in a number of ways, individual to your needs and your existing support. As a birth doula, I attend your labour as early as you’d like me to be there, even if it’s still early on. Once there, I provide practical comforts, like counter pressure, work to keep you positive, relaxed and calm, usually alongside your birth partner. I also do the busy work, fetching water and snacks, pumping up birth pools, timing contractions, setting the mood with fairy lights, ice flannels- you name it. I am a proactive part of your birth team, and you can utilise me in a way that allows you and your family to be as present as possible to meet your baby.
Doulas are very common and well utilised in countries such as the US, Australia and China. We are a relatively new phenomenon in Aotearoa, but every day the recognition for our services is growing!
Overseas studies show that hiring a doula can reduce the likelihood of medical intervention in birth, and have a positive influence on birth outcomes. In the postpartum period, doulas allow the new family to focus on snuggling and caring for the demands of a newborn by looking after the new parents themselves. Home cooked meals, light housework, assistance with your first outing with your newborn and postpartum planning are all brilliantly uplifting things to delegate to your doula.
For some, hiring a doula is about offering support to your wider family, too. So whether you are intereted in hiring a doula because you have a specific birth aspiration, or simply because you feel called to have a birth loving, dedicated presence in your birth space, I would love for you to get in touch!
Client feedback
“Lily has been the most amazing and supportive birth doula. After a traumatic first birth I knew I needed more support for my second birth. Working with Lily enabled me to feel confident and supported enough to achieve the beautiful healing birth I so wanted and needed. She’s the best would recommend her 100 %”
— Brie
Lily was amazing at my home birth!! I also really appreciated all the help and support leading up to/planning the homebirth. She was always available to talk through my questions and concerns. Lily was such a calming presence at my birth, reassuring me at each stage. The photos she took were incredible too! A doula is a must at any type of birth to help feel supported and informed. Forever grateful for you Lily!
— Sophia
FAQs
I have a midwife, aren’t you basically the same?
This is a common misconception, but no, doulas and midwives do not replace each other’s vital roles in birth. Midwives are health professionals, there to ensure the safety of you and your baby. Doulas are there to provide physical, practical and emotional support to the birthing person in labour and do not offer any medical advice.
When in labour do you support me?
I will join you in labour when you or your birth partner want me there and call me. I am there to make you feel supported and safe, so there is no wrong time to invite me to your birth.
I have a really solid birth partner, is a doula necessary?
Doulas don’t replace your birth partner any more than they replace the care of a midwife. Labour is a marathon, and you are building a team to support you in your journey. Your birth partner will be better able to have a guilt free break when they need if you have an additional support person to tag in. I can also guide them in appropriate comfort measures, affirmations and look after them too. The more comfortable, hydrated, well rested and happy everyone in the team is, the better the birth outcomes will be.
Are you vaccinated against Covid-19?
I am vaccinated and up-to-date with boosters.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! It is extremely important to me that doulas be an accessible option to anyone who needs one. I try to be as flexible as possible and I am very happy to arrange a payment plan that suits your circumstances. Please message me with the service/s you are interested in and I can provide appropriate information.
I’m giving birth in a hospital with an epidural, how can a doula support me?
Doulas serve all kinds of births, from home births to C-Sections. However, I acknowledge their niche appeal to the ‘natural’ birth movement and can understand why they don’t seem necessary at first glance.
Even with an epidural in place, doulas have the know-how to help you have a better birth. This can be by way of companionship, position suggestions, fluffing pillows or providing information on proposed interventions.
“I can't thank Lily enough.
She came to me in my postpartum week 2. Once I was out of the hospital with my little bubba.
I was far from feeling like myself with lot of anxiety and emotions.
Lily brought me back on my feet, taking very good care of me. Offering emotional support and knowledge around motherhood, postpartum, c-sections, babies, food and everything in-between. My postpartum mum.”
-Therese