Doulas and Homebirth: What do doulas do at a homebirth?

“What do doulas do at a homebirth?”
“Does a doula replace my partner at birth?”
“If I have a partner who can support me, why might I need a doula?”

So what DO doulas do at a homebirth?

I often get asked, “What do doulas do at a homebirth”? My role looks different at each birth I attend, and through each journey I support.

During pregnancy, I bring information, resources, provide support and encouragement, educate and debrief as needed. I still help women to plan/map out their birth (and contingency plans), prepare for postpartum and get some real tools to help them throughout the journey.

During birth I often arrive at the home prior to the midwife. I help set up the space, provide emotional and physical support for the mother, partner and any children (or other family members), bring food and drinks, hold space, take photos and call the birth team when the time is right, if they aren’t already there. Again, this looks different for each journey, and my support is dependent on the needs of that particular family at that particular time. I often stay a little while after the midwives leave, clean up, make sure you’ve had something to eat and drink, a shower if you want it and had a good first breastfeed, and are tucked up comfy in your bed, ready for a snooze.

So DO doulas replace partners at homebirths?

The short answer is NO, absolutely not! Doulas do NOT have to replace partners in the birth space! There are all sorts of ways that doulas can provide support alongside a partner, and even FOR the partner. In my experience as a doula, there are many instances where after the birth the partner comes to me and says something along the lines of, “Thank you so much for being here; I didn’t realise how much I needed you too!” Here are some photos of what I do that doesn’t involve taking the place of the partner, not only supporting the woman directly, but supporting children and taking photos as well.

What are other people’s experiences of a doula at a homebirth?

Don’t take my word for it though! Here are some beautiful testimonials from a couple that have welcomed me along to their homebirth experiences ?

“This was our second time having Aimee as our doula for our home birth. We had such a wonderful experience with Aimee the first time around and her help was so incredible, that there was no question in whether we’d have her again for our second birth. If you’re reading this wondering whether you should have a doula at your birth, take this as your sign that you absolutely should, and that person should be Aimee! Having Aimee a part of our births has just been such an invaluable experience. She helped in every conceivable way – physically, mentally, emotionally. There was no topic off limits, nothing I felt that I couldn’t share with her. She was such a welcomed face in our home, even our toddler was asking for her after she’d leave! Not only is Aimee extremely knowledgeable and researched in all areas relating to pregnancy, birth & breastfeeding, she is simply such a beautiful person who will make you feel empowered and confident in your body’s ability to birth your baby. Thank you Aimee for everything you have done for our family x” – Andrew

“Words can’t give justice to what Aimee did for our family during pregnancy, labor and in the time since. Aimee was with us for the home birth of our baby boy. She was first on the scene, supporting myself and my husband through labor both physically and emotionally. All while being pregnant herself mind you! We highly recommend Aimee; our birth and everything since has been elevated by having her as our doula.” – Rach

Get in touch if this sounds like something that you could use or come and have a look at my Facebook or Instagram pages!