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10 hours ago

A birth doula is sooo much more than a hand holder😉 Have a read if you want to know the real depths of the work we put in to supporting every client xQ) Why do doulas cost hundreds of pounds???

A) A doula isn't just a hand-holder for a few hours (or even days) of your life.

Us doulas are always learning and the resources to do this include adding to our library of birth books or paying to go on training days and courses all cost money!

The skills and knowledge we gain from continuing to educate ourselves about birth can improve the birth experience for each family we serve. For example, in November I am going to Bristol for two days to train with the amazing Suzanne Yates and learn Shiatsu massage skills specific to pregnancy and labour 😊

Many of us also pay insurance every year giving you piece of mind... (I do)

Membership to Doula UK means those of us registered with them (I am) are part of an organisation which offers ongoing informal peer-to-peer mentorship beyond the minimum required formal amount we have with our mentor whilst training and the support and brainstorming potential of a broader variety of doulas - such a hive of knowledge and experience is a treasure trove for any doula to be a part of. Any doula who is a member can message our Facebook group and find signposts to services or a study or support group or anecdotal stories to share with clients (confidentiality is respected so no names or details are ever shared without permission)... this also means if any doula behaves unprofessionally/badly she faces the wrath and disciplinary process of the DUK team and may be struck off their directory, which again gives peace of mind to you the client.

We also have ongoing costs which tick along each month whether we have a client at that time or not... admin and other costs...

TIME!!! I personally give so many hours to my clients before birth, teaching them about birth and then I also dedicate a month of my life during the on-call period which involves sometimes sacrificing family or social events, so I can guarantee I will arrive to support them during labour at the drop of a hat. I've missed out on all sorts of parties and social get togethers in case I get called out to a clients birth... because I'd absolutely hate to miss one! I also put hours into running my Facebook page and Instagram account and enjoy giving time, love and energy into sharing informative posts even in the weeks in-between clients when I'm not 'actively' doula-ing.

Love 💋 I give so much love to my clients in the weeks and months before they give birth. I let them know I'm thinking of them, listen to their dreams, hopes and fears, and message to let them know I'm around. They often send me on fact finding missions as they explore their options - even weeks after their babies are born. Our messages reassure and support them through different wobbles, building up confidence and being a safe space to express frustration or anger at how they feel let down or under-supported by the system and I signpost to studies and research or non-NHS allies they may have been unaware of if they're feeling really confused or feel backed into a corner. In short hiring a doula can really expand the range of options they have on the table and strengthen the support systems they have around them, helping them to make the most informed decisions they can make and be supported in those.

During labour I sit for many hours (sometimes in quite uncomfortable positions) getting covered in sweat, body fluids, blood and wee and getting my arms or hands squeezed realllly hard 😂 and I love it!!! In the days after I will come and visit them and help make them get comfortable for feeding, fetch snacks, give Dad a few hours off, run around trying to get extra pillows or blankets, listen while my clients talk about their birth (again and again sometimes) or hold them whilst they have a cry.

Running a car and doing visits or parking at hospitals for hours or even days costs money too. Sometimes extortionate rates at some hospitals... Eek!!

So you see, before us doulas have even been to your birth we have invested so much in you! Cared for you for months. Rooting for you and given you lots of our love and knowledge and time, nurturing the whole family as a unit.

And that is why doulas cost hundreds. When you think about it like that, we are actually a total, absolute bargain.

At the birth, it may seem to others that we are just hand-holding... but now you know it is so much more!

💖💛💖💛💖

P.S. The photo demonstrates that we doulas need a sense of humour to do this job and what you will find is that we bring that into the birth room sometimes too!!! Because there are moments when the only appropriate response to something is to have a good belly laugh which helps everyone to relax! 😂🥰 ...

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