FAQs

What is a Doula?

A Doula is a trained, non-medical professional who supports a woman and her partner in pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

I like to describe a Doula as your personal travel guide. Pregnancy, birth and postpartum are often foreign ground for mums and dads. Like a foreign country, it can be overwhelming; the technical terms can be like a foreign language that is difficult to understand, there are many ways to choose from and everyone has a different opinion to which one is the best.

A Doula comes alongside you and helps you navigate through it. Doulas work independently which means they aren’t abiding by hospital policies and can focus completely on your needs and wishes.

What is a Doula not?

A Doula is not a medical professional. A Doula does not treat, diagnose, or cure a disease. She does not give advice or makes the decision for her clients but will provide information and guidance.

Is a Doula the same as a Midwife?

No. The big difference is that a midwife is medically trained whereas a doula is not, which means that a midwife’s responsibility is your and your baby’s medical health, she might do some tests, check the baby’s heartbeat or offer pain medication. Unfortunately, midwives in hospitals or birthing centers might have to care for other women at the same time which doesn’t allow them to continuously support one person. A doula is entirely there for you offering continuous physical and emotional support during your birth.

During your postpartum, midwives look after your and your baby’s medical and emotional health. A postpartum doula provides emotional and practical support which can look like breastfeeding support, listening, massage, light housework or meal prep.

A midwife and a doula make a great team to support you throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

Does a Doula replace the partner?

No. A doula is always an addition to your support team. A doula will work together with your partner to support you. She can also be a great help for your partner as birth and parenthood can be overwhelming for them too.

What areas do you serve?

I serve the City of Sydney, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and Lower North Shore of Sydney. Please contact me, if you live outside of these areas and we discuss it individually.

How do I engage you as my doula?

Please contact me, so we can discuss further details.