Thinking About Hiring a Doula? Here Are the Questions You’re Asking (and My Answers)

Thinking About Hiring a Doula? Here Are the Questions You’re Asking (and My Answers)

Hi, I’m Siobhan from The Birth Doula, and I often see the same questions being typed into ChatGPT or Google by hopeful parents. Let’s explore them together and help you feel more confident about whether working with a doula is right for you.

1. What does a doula actually do?

A doula offers continuous emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after birth. Unlike your midwife or obstetrician, I don’t provide medical care but I do help you feel informed, empowered, and calm as you make informed decisions that honour your values and body. I partner with your healthcare team to support your preferences, whether that’s comfort techniques, breathing, movement or advocating for your wishes.

2. How is a doula different from a midwife?

A midwife handles your clinical care and monitors the baby’s health. I focus on the experience reducing anxiety, offering reassurance, and enhancing communication. Together, we form a powerful birthing team.

3. How much does hiring a doula cost in the UK?

In the UK, birth doula fees typically range from £800 to £3,500, depending on experience, location, and package inclusions. Postnatal doulas average £25–£50 per hour, Many of us also offer payment plans and some are accessible via support funds.

4. When should I hire a doula?

It’s wise to book early if you want to secure your preferred doula and build rapport with time to prep but it's never too late.

5. Are doulas legal in the UK?

Yes! You’re welcome to have a doula present at your birth, whether at home or in hospital. While doulas are not medically trained and do not perform clinical tasks, we do support you with information enabling you to make informed decision.

6. Can a doula help if I'm planning a caesarean birth?

Absolutely. I support all birth choices which includes caesarean birth by helping you prepare emotionally, stay calm during the procedure, and foster bonding and feeding in the recovery phase.

7. Does a doula support partners too?

Yes! I help partners feel capable, informed, and connected. I help to create a supportive environment where you both feel empowered and heard. Partners can think of me as their wing(wo)men. Having a doula present ensures that partners have someone they can rely on for support in the birth room so that things to do feel so overwhelming.

8. What are the benefits of having a doula?

Evidence shows that doula support leads to shorter labours, fewer, more fulfilling birth experiences, better breastfeeding outcomes, and stronger emotional wellbeing postpartum.

Ready to Feel Supported?

If you’re exploring whether a doula is right for you, I’d love to chat. Every pregnancy and birth journey is unique and having the right support can make all the difference.

Get in touch today to arrange a free, no-obligation zoom call and find out how I can support you during pregnancy, birth, and beyond into your postnatal period.