About Us
Doula UK was founded in 2001 to promote life-changing support from skilled doulas for families in
the childbearing year regardless of circumstance, while advocating for better support.
We have approximately 700 doulas working in all parts of the United Kingdom. Each member must
complete Doula UK approved training, go through a period of mentoring and comply with the Doula
UK Code of Conduct. We nurture our membership, so they can unconditionally support the needs of
everyone involved in pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
Doulas can prevent trauma by providing practical, emotional and nurturing support to the whole
family during pregnancy, labour and after the birth of a baby. By offering information, and promoting
self advocacy doulas give confidence which can be very empowering in helping people to expect
safe and respectful maternity and postpartum care.
Birth Doula Impact
Postnatal Doula Impact
How Doulas Reduce the Risk of Trauma
The benefits of continuous support during labour and birth were highlighted in a Cochrane review, which analysed data
from 26 studies across 17 countries involving more than 15,000 women. The following outcomes were observed for
women and birth parents who were given continuous support from a doula or labour companion.
● More likely to have a vaginal birth (without the need for caesarean, forceps or vacuum extraction)
● Less likely to use pain medications
● More likely to have shorter labours
● More likely to be satisfied with their birth and postnatal experience
● The babies may be less likely to have low five-minute Apgar scores, which assess babies’ health and well-being at
birth and shortly afterward
● Increased equity directly through improved women’s empowerment and provision of culturally responsive care, and
indirectly by reducing the over-medicalisation of childbirth
● Increased likelihood of initiating and establishing breastfeeding
A difficult labour, lack of support, an unplanned caesarean section or emergency treatment for the mother/birth parent or
baby can contribute to the risk of experiencing trauma. Doula support can therefore reduce these risks.
Further Resources:
Read Doula UK Blog Post – Shining a Light on Birth Trauma: Is it Too Little Too Late?
