BirthBliss Doula Register

As a doula course facilitator for the last 10 years, I have seen nearly 600 women follow their passion and become doulas.  Since setting up my own course in 2012, I like to think that the 150 doulas who have trained with me through the BirthBliss Academy all possess something quite special. Maybe it’s the four days they spend together learning, talking, and growing. Maybe it’s the tears and the laughter, the heartbreaking stories and the funny anecdotes, which they share with one another. Maybe it’s the period of study they do, learning about birth and feeding, and reflecting deeply on their own experiences and beliefs. Or maybe it’s, I think more than anything, the passion they all clearly share for supporting other women and families at a crucial moment in their lives.

There is no denying that the BirthBliss doulas are a pretty amazing, diverse group of women. Every course I have facilitated I have seen and experienced these women’s compassion, thoughtfulness and life experience, making the four days spent together very special. I learn so much from them and I’m always in awe of the passion and purpose they bring.  That’s why I decided to bring them all together in the BirthBliss doula register - an easy way to search for BirthBliss doulas working in your local area.

On the register you will find a mix of birth and postnatal doulas, and doulas who offer both. You will find doulas who have been supporting women and their partners for years, and doulas who have just recently trained. Doulas who have had big families of their own, and doulas yet to embark on the journey of parenthood. Whoever you choose, when choosing a BirthBliss doula you can rest assured that your doula will be committed and passionate, that she will be well informed about birth, infant feeding and early parenthood, and that she will be there for you to tirelessly support you in having the birth and parenting experience that is right for you.  There are no agendas, just unconditional and non-judgemental support to facilitate a positive birth experience and support you in finding the way you want to be a parent.

Things to consider when hiring a doula

Hiring the right doula can be a difficult decision. When you are interviewing a doula, here are some things you may want to consider:

• What does your gut tell you? Did you instantly feel a connection, or did the meeting leave a seed of doubt? Was she someone you would like to spend time with? Your doula will be with you on a potentially long journey - you need to have a good rapport and feel you are in safe hands. What about your partner - did they click?
• How much does she charge? Does she have a contract you can see? Is she insured?
• Do you have a specific situation (such as a multiple pregnancy or a premature baby) which you would like your doula to have had prior experience of?
• If hiring a birth doula: What is her plan in the event that she cannot make your birth? Does she work with a partner or back-up doula? Is this an arrangement you’re comfortable with, and can you meet her partner? How will she support your partner during the birth? How does she see her role?
• If hiring a postnatal doula: Can she support you with breastfeeding / bottle feeding? Will she feel comfortable supporting your parenting style, such as attachment parenting or a structured routine?
• How long have they been working, and how many families have they supported?

​It is important to find the perfect doula for your and your family so that might mean meeting with more than one doula before making your choice.  All BirthBliss doulas will most likely encourage you to do so as their wish is for you to find the best match and that you will have a positive birth and postnatal experience.  

To find a BirthBliss doula for your upcoming birth or/and postnatal period, visit the Doula Register.