FAQ

Questions?

Here are answers to the questions families ask most often.

What exactly is a doula?

A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical and informational support to families during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. Unlike medical professionals, doulas focus on creating a supportive, non-judgemental space where you feel heard and empowered to make decisions that align with your values. The word "doula" comes from ancient Greek and means "a woman who serves". In modern practice, a doula serves as your advocate, cheerleader and source of continuous support: someone who is entirely focused on your wellbeing and experience.

How is a doula different from a midwife?

Midwives provide clinical and medical care during pregnancy and birth, including monitoring your health and the baby's wellbeing. Doulas provide emotional, physical and informational support without clinical responsibilities. While midwives manage the medical aspects of birth, doulas focus on your emotional wellbeing, comfort and empowerment. Many families benefit from having both a midwife and a doula, and they work beautifully together. Your midwife handles the clinical care, and your doula ensures you feel supported, heard and cared for throughout the experience.

When should I book a doula?

The earlier, the better! Ideally, you would book during pregnancy so we can build a relationship and I can learn about your values, preferences and birth wishes. This allows us to have meaningful prenatal visits where we discuss your hopes, concerns and birth plan. However, I also support families who book closer to their due date or even postpartum for debrief and recovery support. Even if you're already in labour, reach out. I may still be able to help. There's no such thing as too late to ask for support.

Do you support hospital births, home births and caesarean births?

Yes! I support families across all birth settings and scenarios. Whether you're planning a hospital birth with an epidural, a home birth with a midwife, a vaginal birth or a caesarean birth, I'm here to provide compassionate support tailored to your situation and preferences. I'm comfortable working within any hospital system in Melbourne and am experienced in supporting families through both planned and unexpected changes to their birth plans.

What role does my partner play if I have a doula?

Your partner remains central to your birth experience. I work alongside your partner to support them in their role, offering guidance on comfort measures, positioning and ways they can best support you. I help them feel confident and included in the process. My goal is to strengthen your partnership, not replace it. Many partners find that having a doula takes some pressure off them: they can focus on emotional connection while I help with the practical comfort measures. We're a team working together for you.

Is there research supporting doula care?

Absolutely. Research consistently shows that continuous labour support from a doula is associated with shorter labours, reduced need for pain medication, lower rates of intervention and improved maternal satisfaction. One landmark study found that women with doula support were significantly less likely to have a caesarean birth or require pain medication. The research on postpartum doula support is smaller and still growing, but studies suggest it can help with feeding confidence, emotional wellbeing and the adjustment to parenthood. Continuous support during birth and early parenthood genuinely makes a difference.

Is doula support worth the cost?

Many families find that the emotional, physical and practical support a doula provides is invaluable. Beyond the immediate birth or postpartum experience, the confidence, validation and care you receive can have lasting benefits for your family and your sense of self. When you consider the potential for reduced medical interventions, shorter hospital stays and improved mental health outcomes, the investment often pays for itself. I also offer flexible payment options and packages to suit different budgets. Let's chat about what works for your family.

Do you serve all areas of Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula?

Yes! I provide support across all areas of Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, including inner suburbs, outer suburbs and everywhere in between. I'm experienced with families birthing at all major Melbourne hospitals and supporting home births across the region. If you're unsure whether your location works, please reach out. I'd love to chat about how I can support you.

What should I expect during a postpartum visit?

Each visit is tailored to your needs on the day. Support may include emotional check-ins and a debrief about your birth experience, newborn care guidance, feeding support (breastfeeding, bottle feeding or combination), practical household help like dishes or laundry, meal preparation, rest and recovery support, family integration guidance, and just being a calm, supportive presence. I'm here to provide whatever you need most in that moment. Some visits are quiet and restful; others are more active and practical. You're in charge.

Can I contact you between visits?

Yes! Text and phone support between visits is included in all packages. You can reach out with questions about feeding, baby care, your recovery, emotional wellbeing, or just to chat and feel supported. I'm here to provide continuity of care and reassurance throughout your journey. Many families find this ongoing connection invaluable during the vulnerable early weeks.

Tell me about you and your experience as a doula.

I'm a mum to a one-year-old, and my own birth experience ignited a deep passion for supporting families through this transformative journey. Becoming a doula felt like a natural extension of that passion. I wanted to help other families feel empowered, supported and celebrated during their birth and postpartum experiences. I bring both professional training and genuine personal understanding to my work. I'm a straight-talking, warm-hearted birth lover who genuinely believes that every family deserves to feel seen, heard and supported. I'm here because I love this work.

Do you support planned caesarean births?

Absolutely! I provide full support for planned caesarean births. I help you prepare emotionally and practically, support you through the procedure, and provide compassionate postpartum care as you recover. A caesarean is still a birth, and you deserve the same level of support and celebration. I'm experienced in supporting families through the operating theatre, and I'm particularly focused on your recovery and emotional wellbeing in the weeks following surgery.

Do you support VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean)?

Yes, I fully support families planning a VBAC. Whether you're hoping for a vaginal birth after caesarean or planning another caesarean, I'm here to support your choice and provide the care and encouragement you need. VBAC can bring up complex emotions: hope, fear, grief about the previous birth. I'm here to hold space for all of it. Every birth journey is valid, and I'm honoured to walk alongside you.

How can I prepare for birth with your support?

During our prenatal visits, we'll discuss your birth preferences, explore comfort techniques, talk through your concerns and build confidence in your ability to birth. I can teach you and your partner positions, breathing techniques and ways to work with your body. We'll also discuss your values and what matters most to you, so I can advocate for your wishes during labour.

What if I want an epidural or pain relief?

That's completely your choice! I support whatever pain management decisions feel right for you. Whether you want to explore natural comfort measures first, use an epidural from the start, or use a combination, I'm here to support you. My role is to help you feel informed and comfortable with your choices, not to judge them.

What if my birth plan changes during labour?

Birth is unpredictable, and plans often change. That's okay. My role is to support you through whatever unfolds. If your birth takes a different path than you expected, I'm here to help you process that, advocate for your preferences within the new circumstances, and make sure you still feel supported and heard. We'll debrief together afterwards to help you make sense of your experience.

How long does postpartum doula support typically last?

This varies based on your needs and package. Postpartum support typically ranges from a few visits in the first weeks to ongoing support for several months. Some families need intensive support in the first two weeks, while others prefer regular visits over a longer period. We'll discuss what feels right for your family and budget.

Do you support families with multiple children?

Absolutely! I have experience supporting families with older siblings. Postpartum support becomes even more valuable when you have other children to care for. I can help with newborn care, older sibling care, household tasks and the emotional transition of becoming a bigger family. Let's chat about your specific situation.

Do you support families who have experienced loss or trauma?

Yes. If you've experienced pregnancy loss, stillbirth or birth trauma, I'm here to support you with compassion and understanding. I can help you process your experience, prepare for a subsequent pregnancy or birth, and navigate the complex emotions that come with these experiences. This is sensitive work, and I approach it with the care it deserves.

What's the best way to get in touch?

You can fill out the contact form on this website and I'll get back to you within 24 hours. I'm also happy to chat over email or phone. I offer a free 30-minute connection call so we can see if we're a good fit for each other. There's no pressure, just a chance to chat and explore whether working together feels right for your family.

Didn't find your answer?

I'd love to chat. Send a message or book a free call.