Frequently asked questions

Doula FAQ's

I've decided to contacted you, what happens next?

I would recommend a chat on the phone. It's very easy to tell if we have a raport, if we do and you would like to investigate further. I will then viisit your home or we can meet for coffee if you would prefer. I’ll also happily Skype if it's easier for you. All of this is free of charge.



What is a Doula?

A doula is a non-medical birth worker, trained to support and care for new parents: to guide them through the pregnancy, providing answers and resources; to prepare them for the birth and their first few days and weeks with their new baby; and to hold their hands, physically and metaphorically, through the biggest transition of their lives.



Why would I want a Doula?

According to Evidenced Based Birth studies have shown having a doula can result in a, 31% decrease in the use of Pitocin (induction of labour) 28% decrease in the risk of C-section 12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth 9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief 14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery 34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience Most importantly, however, a doula reminds women in labour that they are in control and to follow their instincts, whatever direction their instincts takes them. The result; a birth a woman is proud of no matter the circumstances.



Which areas do you cover?

I cover most of London, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire. if you are outside these areas, or abroad, but feel I may be the doula for you then please do get in touch and we can see if it is possible for me to support you



Which hospitals do you cover?

1) Frimley Park 2) Royal Surrey, Guildford 3) St Peter's, Chertsey 4) West Middlesex University Hospital 5) Kingston Hospital 6) Queen Charlotte's, Hammersmith 7) Wexham Park 8) The Royal Berkshire, Reading 9) Chelsea and Westminster, Kensington 10) Wycombe Hospital, High Wycombe 11) Basingstoke 12) Royal Hampshire 13) UCLH 14) St Mary's If you do not see your choosen hospital on the list and you feel I may be the right doula for you then please do get in touch and we can look at options.



When is a good time to think about booking?

As early as possible is best. It then gives us more time to get to know each other and as I try not to overlap bookings I do get booked well in advance. Having said that I have had calls when the baby is due in a couple of weeks. It's never too late.



Do Doula's support Dad's or birth partners?

Absolutely, your birth partner can benefit immensely from the nurturing and practical support of a doula. The aim is to support you both as a couple. I will be there to help them help you. It can be very tiring and emotionally draining for your husband/partner. so it is also good for them to know that if they need to take a few minutes to gather thier thought or have to go and deal with other children I am there by your side while they are gone. As a doula, I’ll always stand back when the time is right and respect a couple and their privacy. Sometimes i will be in the wings and at others I'll be right by your side. It's all about what you both need at any given time.



When will go 'on call' for me?

I go ‘On call’ for my birth clients at 38 weeks pregnant. For you this means I am available 24/7 and you become my absolute priority. I do not travel or make big plans and will never be more than an hour away. I aim to ensure that I am well rested and my doula bag is always packed and in the car. You can call me anytime day or night. If you would like an extended on-call period please contact me for prices



Do Doula's attend cesarean births?

Yes definately. I am very happy to support you in theatre. It will however, be dependant on the view of your Midwife or Consultant Obsteatritian, or thier hospital policy. I will however, be there for as long as possible before and after the birth.



Do you do home and hospital births?

Yes, I'm happy wherever you're happy. it's a big decision trying to work out whats best for you and your baby. I'm happy to help you with these chioces if your not sure. I have lots of fact based information that we can look at together.



Do you support miscarriage and still birth

Yes, I have completed training with the Foundation for Infant Loss and would be honoured to be your Doula at such a difficult time. I support families following miscarriage and during still birth. I will nurture your family and help you with any practicalities you need.



Do you do emergency doula support

I am always willing to accept clients no matter what stage of pregnancy they are at. Please contact me ASAP and we can find a way forward together



Costs

See "Business Stuff"



Hypnobirthing FAQ's

How is are Hypnobirthing antenatal Classes different to other classes?

Hypnobirthing will prepare you with the knowledge that it is possible to birth confidently and comfortably. While other methods will teach you how to cope with and manage pain; Hypnobirthing provides you with the information needed to feel relaxed and ready to allow your body to birth in the manner it was designed to. When you understand that pain associated with labour is caused by constrictor hormones, created by fear, you learn, instead, to release fear thus creating endorphins—the feel-good hormones. I use Hypnotherapy techniques to ensure that you work through all your worries and the scary horror stories you have heard or seen onTV to allow you to prepare positively for a more comfortable, calmer birth. Rather than exhausting, shallow breathing and the distraction techniques of typical antenatal programs, you’ll learn deep abdominal breathing and total relaxation, enabling you to work in harmony with your body and your baby. Great news as this sometimes helps mothers have quicker, easier births



Why KGHypnobirthing?

We are the original UK Hypnobirthing course which is designed especially for mothers in the UK. The course is constantly evolving to keep up-to-date with the latest evidence and research, and is now taught internationally.

Katharine Graves has personally taught hypnobirthing to over 2,000 couples, probably more than anyone else in the UK and all KG Hypnobirthing teachers are knowledgeable and highly trained to support you in hypnobirthing.

A KGHypnobirthing Course not only equips you with the hypnobirthing information, but uniquely gives you the knowledge to understand your options and the implications of the choices you make. As well as teaching you the techniques you need for a successful hypnobirth, it gives you the information to navigate the system in which you find yourself to achieve the best outcome for you and your baby.



Does my partner need to come?

No, they don’t, but they will be very glad if they did. Most partners arrive at the course utterly sceptical and leave extremely enthusiastic. We don’t expect you to believe in it. Why should you? We do ask you to listen to the facts and the logic so you understand how important it is and the difference you as a birth companion can make. Have a look at the birth reports from partners, and you can benefit from their experience.

The caricature of a partner at a birth is someone who is nervous, feeling responsible for the situation mum is in, holding her hand and wishing they could help, but not knowing what to do. A hypnobirthing partner is knowledgeable and able to support her as she gives birth. They are a huge asset in the birthing room, and many mothers say, ‘I couldn’t have done it without them.’ They have practised together before the birth which brings them closer together, and they know they have played an important part in how baby enters the world. This deepens their relationship as a couple, and their relationship with baby



Will Hypnobirthing work for me if I come on my own?

Yes, definitely. Many women have come to the course on their own. If they have a partner who is away on business, as a single mum, if it’s a second baby and they can’t find a babysitter for their elder child, or any other reason. Just remember that KGHypnobirthing works, and you are very welcome. If your partner can’t come, we would welcome your mother, a friend, or whoever will be supporting you at the birth instead. If you don't have a partner or your own support please do think about hiring a Doula.



When in my pregnancy should I do the course?

I would advise doing the course any time from 20 week of your pregnancy so you can enjoy the benefits during your pregnancy as well as at the birth of your baby. It is not so much a matter of learning facts so they are fresh in your mind, but more a matter of absorbing the information so that it becomes second nature, but KGHypnobirthing works whenever you do it. Also it's the same as everything else you learn, the more you can practice the better you become.



What is the history of Hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing is soundly based on established medical knowledge.” - MidwifeIn 1957, after two years of study by eminent neurologists and psychoanalysts, the BMA issued a statement that ‘hypnosis is an effective method of relieving pain in childbirth’ and proposed that all doctors should train in hypnotherapy.

The seeds of the natural birth movement were first sown with the work of eminent obstetrician Dr.Grantly Dick-Read. After witnessing a homebirth in the slums of the London Docks in 1913 where the mother refused any pain relief and then proceeded to give birth quickly and with no pain, Grantly Dick-Read was truly amazed.

The mother’s comment after giving birth when he asked why she refused the pain relief was “It didn’t hurt. It wasn’t meant to, was it, Doctor?” This experience was defining, and after a career of working on the battle field in the first world war and subsequently in hospitals as an obstetrician he theorized that fear was the overriding cause that led to the pain in childbirth. At the end of his career he wrote the book “Childbirth Without Fear”. He hypothesized that when you are fearful, you tense up and the natural birth process is inhibited and becomes longer and consequently more painful.

Over the years his theories have been fully vindicated with research into how hormones work during childbirth. His principles have been further developed by a number of natural birth practitioners with Hypnobirthing being the most notable and widely practised. Today KG Hypnobirthing is known by every midwife in the UK and many have trained in KGHypnobirthing, including professors of midwifery and NHS heads of midwifery. Obstetricians are also beginning to understand the significance of the work we do and are coming to be trained too. KGHypnbirthing is practised internationally and rapidly spreading throughout the world.



How does my partner support me during Hypnobirthing?

The Birth Partner is a key part of the Hypnobirthing experience. He or she practices with the mother in helping to prepare for deep relaxation during the pregnancy. During labour the Birth Partner guides the labouring mother through hypnosis prompts, relaxation techniques, deepening methods, and visualizations, provides comfort measures, putting all that you’ve practised together into play. You will work together as a team.



Can I use Hypnobirthing if I'm having a cesarean?

Absolutely. Hypnobirthing classes will help you to learn relaxation skills that will be useful to both you and your baby, regardless of your birth experience. If medical intervention is needed, you’ll find yourself better able to remain calm and in control. Mothers who have needed scheduled caesareans report that they were totally relaxed before, during and after the procedure. Many report that they needed little or no medication following the birth, and they could return to normal functioning in a very short period of time.



Business stuff!!

Do you require a deposit?

Yes, for birth doula services I do. We will discuss this at our initial meeting. I find it's best to get the financial side of things laid out clearly early on so that we can move on to the important stuff. You pay 50% of my fees to secure my services and then the remaining 50% at 37 weeks. I will invoice you via quickbooks.



Do we have a contract?

Yes, there is one for birth and one for postnatal. They are not legal documents but simply outline the terms of my service and our commitment to one another.



Do you have insurance?

I have full public liability insurance up to £5,000,000



How much do you charge?

As a birth doula my prices rance from £1850 to £2495 As a postnatal doula - £35 and hour (minimum of 3 hours per day) As a night doula - £350 per night from 10pm to 8am For last minute birth support - £850 I am always happy to consider a reduction to my prices, but if you can afford my advertised cost then it allows me to support others who really can't. Thank you so much for considering this......



Do you have DBS

Yes my DBS ID Number is : P0001G3CY62 I will be happy to send you a copy should you require it