Doula

Typically, a Doula is considered a birthing partner. They will be present as support for the duration of the birth focusing on the needs of the mother.

They offer guidance and help to the expecting mother and their partner.

A Doula does not deliver a baby. They are a non-medical support person.

They are often also referred to as a birthing attendant.

Some Doula’s do have certified training to provide a more specialized support service to the expectant mother. The Doula’s focus is on the mother not the baby.

A Doula can be considered vital and are most often used if you are expecting and don’t have extended family on hand or if you prefer not to have to rely on them at this time.

They are ideal if you want to look after your new baby yourself but would welcome support and advice.

Put simply a Doula helps pregnant mothers before, sometimes during, and after the birth of the baby.

Depending on their training and experience also depends on the level of skills and services offered. You may find that a Doula has some other qualifications that can compliment the Doula experience.

During labour they provide support for both the mother and father- helping to keep them calm, giving advice and offering general moral support. They DO NOT have a medical role at all; they are as an addition to the midwife or any medical team.

After the birth they are on hand for mother and newborn care – often dropping in for a few hours every day. They provide breast feeding support and advice, will look after the older children, whip up some meals, run errands and help keep the house clean so that the mother can concentrate on recovery.

A Doula functions in the same way as a member of an extended family.

There is currently no governing body or regulatory law applicable to Doulas and as such there is no specific qualification requirements to be a Doula.

However, as it is increasing many Doula’s do obtain some sort of qualification. There are a few training organisations that provide courses to train as a Doula.

There is such a variation to the length and costs of the courses.  You can complete 5 day course, 8 week courses, 20 week courses and even complete courses online.

As with the length of the delivery of the courses the costs vary immensely too. If you were to budget at least $1500+ to complete a course that would be a good starting figure.

Once you complete a recognized course you can become a certified Doula.

This varies. Many elements can effect the potential wage of a Doula. Their experience, qualification, location and so on.

Some command a higher wage but generally there are three types of wages.

1. The trainee Doula- This can range from $350- $650
2. Qualified Doula-  You can expect between $900-$2000, depending upon qualification and experience.
3. Highly experienced and trained. This select few Doula’s can command $2250- $2700+.

Exactly what each Doula offers may vary.

No two Doula’s are the same but the service typically includes pre birth visits and post birth consultations.

The make up and number of contact between the Doula and the mother (& family) can differ but it can include:

• Initial meeting.
• Access via phone/email.
• 2-4 meetings.
• On-call for labour. This generally means that the Doula is available around 2 weeks before the due date should they go into labour early.
• An at home/hospital during labour and birth
• And 1-2 post-natal visits.

There is no regulation covering a Doula. You don’t need to be trained to be a Doula and therefore anyone can essentially class themselves as a Doula.

Do you research before hiring a Doula. Ask for recommendations and references. Make contact with the previous clients as testimonials.

You may find that some Doula’s have some sort of ‘Doula’ training which generally may include reading several books on pregnancy and childbirth, completing book reports and/or exam. At no point are they medically trained.

A good professional Doula is generally trained in professional birth support.