SERVICE DETAILS
What is Doula Support?
A Doula ensures pregnant women receive continuity of care with a friendly face at a vulnerable time. We also provide education to support informed support, signposting to services and 'on the ground' companionship, which can greatly assist in a positive experience of childbirth and early bonding.
Doulas do not offer medical advice or apply clinical measures, but do offer a wealth of knowledge about birth. We help people to have a positive experience by providing information, support, and encouragement—without judgment.
Doulas are there to support the whole family unit, when appropriate. We do not attempt to mirror the role of any other supporter, but to empower all towards a positive outcome. Our presence can help alleviate isolation during pregnancy and labour and assist in early parenting settling in.
Having a more positive experience of pregnancy and birth contributes to the potential for bonding and attachment between parent and baby. Building resilience during this time is best achieved through a strong bond with the mother, which provides baby with a crucial step towards a healthy and balanced adult life.
At Doulas Without Borders, our UK-wide network of voluntary doulas provides women and birthing people who have experienced trauma and are in financial hardship with the companionship, physical, emotional and educational support needed during pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.
Who We SUPPORT
We accept referrals on behalf of people from 6 months of pregnancy or within the first 6 weeks of the postnatal period, who are in isolation, or unsupported, in disadvantage and in financial hardship*.
Our Doula services are available to any woman/person who is experiencing financial hardship* and is:
- At affect of domestic / intimate partner violence and / or sexual violence
- Experiencing homelessness
- A survivor / victim of human trafficking and modern-day slavery
- Under 20 years old and unsupported
- A survivor / victim of rape
- With refugee / recent asylum seeking status
- At least one of the above and experiencing or preparing for baby loss.
- Our Doula services are available to any woman/person who is experiencing financial by loss.
We provide accessible pregnancy, birth and postnatal support for people in financial hardship who are, for example:
We provide support, education and advocacy for pregnant, birthing and newly mothering women in disadvantage, as a means to foster and facilitate more positive birth experiences, encourage robust attachment and build positive change for future generations.
How it Works...
Step 1: Referral
We accept referrals on behalf of people from 6 months of pregnancy or within the first 6 weeks of the postnatal period, who are experiencing isolation, are unsupported, living in disadvantaged circumstances and financial hardship.
Case-by-case, so please ask us if you know of someone who could benefit from the service and is less than 6 months pregnant.
Our service works through a referral system. Women/people should ask a health or social care professional, a community member who can vouch for them, or a support worker to fill out the referral form on their behalf.
We accept referrals for women and people during pregnancy or within the first 6 weeks of the postnatal period. We can only offer support if the person is in extreme financial hardship, which we define as without funds beyond accommodation and food. For those who are experiencing a more borderline financial hardship, we suggest women apply for a low cost Doula via Doula UK.
Once we have received your referral form, we will consult our Doulas Without Borders Directory to find a match based on your geographical location and specific needs of your nominee. We tend to create a team of supporters around each client, rather than just one Doula. We then assign a lead Doula based on experience and availability and the whole team is also supported by one of our Community Elders. We have a highly skilled team of specialist Consultants who are also available for each team, on request.
Step 2: Getting to know each other
Doulas make a connection with the referred woman or person by having a meeting. Based on this first meeting, they will collaborate in creating a bespoke care package. This will create opportunities for the woman/person and Doula to deepen their relationship and could include things like:
- Birth preparation sessions
- Attending appointments together
- Signposting and ensuring that the client can access information needed
- Co-exploring choices and preferences
- Discussing comfort measures and strategies for birth
- Establishing networks of support
- Creating strategies for the postnatal period
Step 3: Labour and birth
The Doula/s will be on call to provide support starting two weeks before the estimated due date. The Doula/s will accompany the mother or person throughout the labour and birth, offering physical and emotional support, advocacy and companionship. Should there be attendance restrictions due to the pandemic, the team will look at other supportive methods. Often, a Doula is allowed in as the sole partner.
Our Doulas will liaise with family, friends and medical staff (where necessary) to advocate for the mother's choices, and will ensure that the mother is best supported for their individual needs. Most importantly, the Doulas will provide a familiar and friendly face to comfort and reassure the woman during this vulnerable and powerful time.
Step 4: The postnatal period
Doulas help with the transition into life with a newborn by offering practical and emotional support. We can help with:
- Infant feeding support
- Self-care strategies
- Establishing networks of support
- Signposting and access to information and specialist services
Referrals...
We accept referrals on a case-by-case basis, so please contact us if you think someone needs support but doesn't meet any of the above criteria.
Please see https://www.doulaswithoutborders.com/referrals.
