FAQ

• When should I book my birth doula?

  We recommend booking your birth doula as far in advance as possible to allow you the opportunity to meet and interview our Birth Doulas ensuring we match you up with the person who has the right philosophy for you and your family.

  Early booking also allows you to build a relationship with your birth doula and get to know her during your pregnancy. Your birth doula can also be your postpartum doula if you wish to extend the time you have together. Please let us know at the time of booking if this is something that you are interested in.

• Who will be my doula?

  At the New Mummy Co., we hand-select the doulas we work with to ensure the service we offer is of the highest standard. It is important that you have the right person for your doula which is why we give you the opportunity to interview Doulas to select the candidate who will be exactly the right fit for you.

• How does the doula work with my partner?

  Firstly, the doula will never make your partner feel ‘redundant’. Your birth plays a crucial role in ensuring your partner is involved to the extent they feel comfortable. They can give encouragement and suggestions to your birth partner and strengthen their role in the delivery of your baby.

• Is there evidence that a doula can help with birth?

  Yes, absolutely. In 2012, a study was published in the Cochrane review on the use of continuous support for women during childbirth. In a randomized trial, the researchers reviewed women in labour who either received continuous, one-on-one support or regular nursing care. The results showed that in situations where women received 1:1 support were more likely to have a vaginal delivery and less likely to have taken any pain medication during labour. Most women felt positive about childbirth and in fact had shorter labours.

  Statistics indicated that when continuous labor support is provided by a doula, women experienced a:

  • 31% decrease in the use of Pitocin
  • 28% decrease in the risk of C-section
  • 12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
  • 9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
  • 14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to special care nursery
  • 34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
• What is the difference between a birth doula and a midwife?

  We are asked this question many times and you can have both a midwife and a doula help you during the birthing process. We have provided some information below to help you when deciding the type of support, you are looking for at this most special time.

  Birth Doula
  A birth doula, also known as a labor doula is a birth companion to support the mother or the couple during labour.  The word doula comes from the green meaning “a female servant” and now refers to a professional labour support companion.
  Birth boulas advocate for the mother and are a non-medical birth coach ensuring you have continuous emotional, physical, and practical support during labour.

  Midwife
  A midwife is a trained medical professional, they play a key role during the birthing process. Certified nurse-midwives can do many of the same things as doctors, meaning they can perform gynecological exams, provide prenatal care, administer pain medications, give labor-inducing drugs, monitor the fetus using electronic equipment, given an epidural and episiotomy, and stitch tears.

• Does a doula make decisions on my behalf?

  No, a doula will not make decisions for you but will work to ensure that your decision making is informed and support you emotionally and practically. They will advocate for your wishes but do not speak on your behalf.

• Can my friend be my doula?

  Doulas are trained and qualified professionals with in-depth knowledge and experience of supporting and empowering women through their delivery and birth. They are trained in pain-reducing comfort measures, measures to keep labour progressing, and will be familiar with local hospitals’ policies and procedures. A friend can be an excellent birth partner but would not be able to provide the professional level of support that a Doula is trained to.

• How does a doula advocate for me?

  A critical part of the process are the two prenatal meetings you have with your Birth Doula. At the New Mummy Co. this is included as part of the birth doula package. At these meetings, the doula will get to know you, understand your preferences, help you with a birth plan and answer any questions you may have about your birth. This in-depth level of understanding allows your doula to advocate for you through delivery.