October 2024

Each year Doula UK members, of which there are currently over 700 doulas working across the UK, complete an annual return detailing their doula work from the previous year.  We have collated this data and are delighted to share the results with you, which clearly show an increase in the demand for doula birth and postnatal support; and show the positive outcomes and benefits of having a doula during pregnancy, birth and after the birth of a baby.

Over the past year a total of 2,090 births (up from 1,460 in 2020, 1,835 in 2021) were supported by a doula and 1,700 families were supported postnatally, in fact, postnatal doulas clocked up an amazing 70,398 hours of support.

The majority of doulas reported working more this year than last, and 77% reported that doula enquiries came from our Find a Doula directory with 51% being recommended by another Doula UK doula.

Doulas impacted breastfeeding rates too with 91% of birth clients breastfeeding their baby compared to the National rate of 73%. And an incredible 76% of postnatal clients were breastfeeding at final visit, compared to the National average of 36% at six weeks.

We saw an increase in families choosing to give birth at home and this became the most common place of birth. Doulas reported that 65% of births were spontaneous vaginal births (without ventouse, forceps, or caesarean birth) whilst the National average is currently around 47%.