DOULA - Support for mums to be and new mums

me_and_me_monkeys

Hi. I have just become a trainee doula - basically its a professional birth and post-natal support. So if a lady doesn't have any family they feel they could ask or husband is a bit squeemish they are guaranteed someone at their birth who will stay and support them.

Most people assume that they are prohibitively expensive BUT doula UK trainees are only allowed to charge expenses and they can be no higher than £150. Thats for 2 antenatal visits, the whole birth (even if your in labour for 36hrs) and 2 visits after.

If a mum cannot afford that there is also a hardship fund and they may pay up to £100 towards the expenses of the doula so a mum could get a doula for less than £50.

Doula UK website is https://www.doula.org.uk

If you have any questions about doulas please ask, I am only a trainee but if I don't know I'll ask on the doula boards

harassedmumof4

Hi, i have just read your thread with great interest. The only place I've ever seen a Doula is on the American birthing programmes on cable. I always thought that it looked like a great idea but never realised there was anything like it here. I would have loved something like that, especially with my first, it is such a frightening time because I don't think anything really prepares you for giving birth. I've looked at the website as well and if I do decide on having another baby, it is definately something I would consider. Thanks for posting.

Rachie_B

Hi,

although not a service i would pay for myself i dont think

i am planning on completeing some Doula training next year,to go along with nannying / maternity nursing i am doing at the moment.

Have you experienced many births yet ?

me_and_me_monkeys

not yet - I only completed my training in july and with the school holidays.... I now have an assessor so should be getting busy too. My assessor tells me that doulas in my county have turned away more than 50 clients so far this year as their books have been full so that seems quite hopeful to me

Rachie_B

me_and_me_monkeys wrote: »

not yet - I only completed my training in july and with the school holidays.... I now have an assessor so should be getting busy too. My assessor tells me that doulas in my county have turned away more than 50 clients so far this year as their books have been full so that seems quite hopeful to me

fab :T good luck

October_2

Me and my wife had a doula for the birth of our second child. The birth of our first born was very traumatic for both of us and we felt that we needed extra support for our second child. She was simply amazing, the best support we have ever had, she helped make the experience one of the most amazing times of my life and she also took some fantastic photo's too.

I would recommend it to anyone.

miss_phish

Hi mamm, i dont have kids myself but this sounds great.

Hows it going, are you enjoying it?

me_and_me_monkeys

Although I havn't got a 'proper client' yet I am loving it. Everyone is so positive and I've been doing a lot of getting my face and name known locally. Sorted my doula website, and had a few tel calls. Basically all the business groundwork.

I have also offered a few doula packages as raffle and aution prizes. The sooner I get 4 births under my belt the sooner I get to call myself a recognised doula.

Rachie_B

me_and_me_monkeys wrote: »

Although I havn't got a 'proper client' yet I am loving it. Everyone is so positive and I've been doing a lot of getting my face and name known locally. Sorted my doula website, and had a few tel calls. Basically all the business groundwork.

I have also offered a few doula packages as raffle and aution prizes. The sooner I get 4 births under my belt the sooner I get to call myself a recognised doula.

ah thats a good idea

wish you lots of luck with it

mylittlebaby

Hi, I've sent you a PM.

amazamum

What a lovely thing to do for other people,I would love to do something like this.
How long do you need to train for?,do you need any other qualifications before you start training?.

Good luck