Welcome to Harmonious Birth! Here at Harmonious Birth we provide a woman centered approach to childbirth and beyond.

What is a Doula?

A doula (pronounced "doola") is a professional labour supporter and/or postnatal helper. A Birth Doula provides support and acts as your advocate during labour, while a Postnatal Doula is there to help the Mother with tasks such as washing up, laundry or to take care of your newborn while you take a bath or a well earned rest.  Ultimately, the work of a Doula is dependent on the parents needs at the time. Most Doulas in the UK have received specialist training in labour support, and are members of a professional organisation.  Doulas do not offer medical advice, they are more like a good friend who knows all about birth and labour. They will help you explore what is right for you and help you find any information you want.

Why hire a Doula?

• Your Doula will help you and your partner in whichever way you need, getting to  know you personally, she will understand your preferences, likes and dislikes.
• Your Doula can be with you continuously. As she has no other distractions, no shift changes etc, you will be your Doula's number one priority.
  
• A better emotional experience - Doulas recognise childbirth as a key life experience that the mother and father will remember forever.
  
• Having a Doula present is like taking your antenatal teacher to the birth with you.  She can help you remember and apply what you learned during childbirth classes to the unexpected experience of labour.
• Your Doula can be present in addition to, not necessarily in place of the partner.  Your Doula can be the one who brings food, drinks, and blankets etc. so that your partner does not have to leave your side.
• If your partner is unable to attend for whatever reason, your Doula can step in to offer you the support you require.
  

What does the research say?

• Hodnett et al. 2003 found that women cared for during labor by a Birth Doula, compared to those receiving “usual care” were:
  • 26% less likely to give birth by cesarean section
  • 41% less likely to give birth with a vacuum extractor or forceps
  • 28% less likely to use any analgesia or anesthesia (pain medication)
  • 33% less likely to be dissatisfied or to negatively rate their birth experience.
    
    
• In the Doula Book by Kennell, Klaus et al 1986 the authors summarize several research studies that found women who have a Doula:
  • on average have shorter labors than those who don’t
  • have increased rates of breastfeeding
  • have fewer problems with breastfeeding
  • experience less postpartum depression
  • report feeling greater satisfaction with birth experience
  • experience better bonding between mother and infant   
  • have Dads/partners who are more involved.

What does a Doula cost?

For the services of a Birth Doula, our current fee is £150. An initial deposit of £75 is payable upon booking, with  the remainder not due until your Postnatal visit.

For the services of a Postnatal Doula, the current fee is £10 per hour. 

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