We are passionate about supporting women to achieve the births they want, and about women having access to a range of information and experiences to support them into their new roles as mothers.

What is a Doula?

“Doula” is a Greek word which has come to mean a woman who helps women, and has further evolved to mean a woman trained and experienced in chilbirth who provides continuous physical and emotional support and information to a mother before, during and after birth.

A doula does not replace a medical caregiver, partner or other family members who provide birth support. Rather, a doula enhances these roles by providing a constant, calm, informed presence. A doula’s role is to support the mother and her chosen caregivers and support people in achieving her desired birth experience.

A doula is trained in birth: it’s normal processes and it’s possible divergences from them. She can provide the assurance to a mother that her birth is progressing well, and interpret medical information when needed. She is trained and experienced in the comfort measures available to a woman in labour, which can assist the woman to achieve a natural birth.

Why use a Doula?

Extensive studies have found positive results in birth outcomes. An analysis of the data from ten randomised studies shows¹:

Reduction in caesarean rate by 45%
Reduction in length of labour of 25%
Reduction in synthetic oxytocin use of 50%
Reduction in pain medication use by 31%
Reduction in need for forceps of 34%
Reduction in request for epidural of 10–60%

¹ source: The Doula Book; Klaus et al.; Da Capo Press, Cambridge, Mass., USA

Many women expect that the midwives at their chosen hospital will be able to provide support and information on a continuous basis during their labour. Some are shocked that this does not occur; the current hospital system does not support this kind of care. A midwife will often be attending three or four women at once, and will therefore be only intermittently in the room while the women labour. A doula provides continuous support during labour. She does not leave the woman unless asked, providing a constant presence.

What services do we provide?

Your doula will meet with you two or three times before you are due to give birth, generally once soon after you contact Brighid’s Hands, and subsequently depending on your progress in your pregnancy. She will be on call to come to your home or hospital as you need, and will stay for the duration of your birth, and for as long as you want afterwards. She will then visit once or twice after the birth to debrief the experience, help with any breastfeeding matters, and discuss any concerns you have about yourself or your baby.

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Read about the doulas at Brighid’s Hands

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Why “Brighid’s Hands”?

Brighid was a Goddess of the British Isles. She is known as the Goddess of healers, poets, smiths, childbirth, inspiration, fire and hearth. St Brighid, also of the British Isles, is venerated as the patron saint of farm work and cattle, and protector of the household from fire and calamity. Legend seems to not discrimiate between the two figures, intermingling the ancient religion with the new.