Why Having a Doula Matters (Before, During, and After Birth)
There’s sometimes a common misconception that doulas just “turn up on the day” and hold your hand through labour. Yes, I’ll be there for the big day, but doula support stretches way beyond that.
During pregnancy
Your doula is the calm voice when Google has sent you into a rabbit hole. The person who remembers to ask if you’ve eaten. The one who steadies your breathing when the “what ifs” creep in. Pregnancy doulas provide reassurance, information, and that gentle nudge to trust yourself.
During birth
When contractions kick in, a doula becomes your anchor. I’m there to steady the room, keep the environment calm, translate medical jargon into plain English, and remind you that you are, in fact, amazing. Every surge, every pause, every wobble, you don’t have to carry it all yourself.
After birth
And here’s the part people often forget: doula care continues after the baby arrives. Postnatal doula support means you don’t have to figure it out alone in those fragile early weeks. Maybe it’s feeding support, maybe it’s emotional reassurance, or maybe it’s just making sure someone remembers to put a hot meal in front of you.
So, why does having a doula matter?
Emotional support: Someone steady who has your back when it feels overwhelming.
Practical support: From birth planning to baby feeding, we cover the messy middle.
Continuity of care: One familiar face, before, during, and after.
Confidence for partners: Doula support isn’t just for birthing people, it’s about the whole family feeling steady and included.
If you’re in Portsmouth, South Hampshire, or West Sussex and wondering if a doula is “worth it,” here’s the truth: you don’t need to do this alone. Having someone who’s been there, who listens without judgement, and who knows when to make you laugh, that’s what changes everything.
