Birth Support - Doula

We have a small team of FEDANT accredited Birth Doulas. Our Doula's support women to prepare for birth and then provide continuous emotional and practical support throughout birth and the immediate postnatal period. Our Doula's can provide support to women with a wide variety of needs for example if they are facing birth alone; are young; have experienced a traumatic previous birth; or would benefit from continuous emotional and practical support due to their mental health.

There is a strong evidence base which demonstrates many benefits of Doula support that includes:

• 25% decrease in the risk of Cesarean; the largest effect was seen with a doula (39% decrease)

• 8% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth; the largest effect was seen with a doula (15% increase)

• 10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief;

• Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average;

• 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score (indicating babies wellbeing at birth);

• 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience; mothers’ risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience was reduced with continuous support provided by a doula.

I am so grateful that I had support from one of the Nurture the Borders Doulas at my birth. I really couldnt have done it without her!

I had a very traumatic first birth which really badly impacted my mental health for months after. When I became pregnant for the second time I was so worried about how I would get through the birth. I had wonderful support from Nurture the Borders throughout my pregnancy which helped me prepare for my birth and manage my anxiety. My Doula was wonderful, her support throughout my labour and birth made a huge difference and I ended up having my dream water birth. It was a really empowering and healing experience for me. I will be forever grateful to the Nurture team for helping and supporting me with such care and compassion.