Next in our interview with a doula series we meet Elizabeth. Elizabeth is a birth and postnatal doula based in Fareham and working throughout Hampshire.
Thanks for agreeing to be interviewed Elizabeth. Let’s chat about what motivates you as a doula and what challenges and inspires you.
Where did you hear about doulas?
I first heard about doulas when I was expecting my second baby. A friend of mine was training to be a doula and I went to a birth group and met a couple of other doulas.
What made you want to be a doula?
Having my amazing second birth experience after my traumatic first experience, and having had terrible postnatal mental health, made me want to support other people to have the best experience for them
What did your friends and family say when they heard you were thinking about becoming a doula?
My friends have been wonderfully supportive. I’m lucky to know lots of great doulas who have helped me and boosted my confidence.
What’s your favourite thing about being a doula?
I really love witnessing the birth of families. Watching people become parents and thrive is really special.
What’s your top tip for anyone who is trying to decide if becoming a doula is right for them?
Dive in to the birth world and meet people doing it differently. Doulas come in all shapes and sizes and it’s good to see it to work out who you are as a doula, and whether it’s right for you.
What’s your favourite thing to do in an antenatal appointment?
I really love to ask open ended questions and listen while people tell me who they are, what the journey has been to lead them to this point.
What’s the best and worst things about being on call for you?
It’s exciting! A bit like Christmas eve! The worst thing is making sure I pace myself so that I am on good form at all times, which is tricky!
What’s your top tip for your clients for working with their body in labour?
Don’t overthink it and let your body make the decisions
What’s your top tip for birth partners for during labour or birth?
Make sure you eat and drink!
What do you always remember to keep in your doula bag?
Clean pants and snacks!
What’s your favourite thing to do in a postnatal appointment?
Feed people!
If you’re booked as a postnatal doula before baby is born what do you like to do to prepare for working with a family?
Get to know them and their expectations of postnatal life. Everyone has their own idea of how it should look so they need different types of support.
What gives you the most job satisfaction when you’re working with a family?
Seeing parents be confident, getting to that “Nanny McPhee” moment.
[Editors note: For those who haven’t seen it. In the film Nanny McPhee the title character says “When you want me but no longer need me, then I have to go.” The family in the film find the joy in no longer needing Nanny McPhee even though they love her. ]
How do you know when you’re finished working with a family? Do you have a set number of hours or weeks or is there something less tangible?
Sometimes it’s hours, but I prefer noticing that they just don’t need me anymore.
If you think Elizabeth sounds like the person you would love to have with you through your pregnany, birth or postnatal journey you can contact her through her Hampshire Doulas listing.
Hampshire Doulas 