In short
- A birth doula supports you through pregnancy and labour.
- A postnatal doula helps at home in the weeks after your baby arrives.
- Many doulas offer both, so you can have the same person throughout.
The main difference is timing. It comes down to when you'd most like an extra pair of hands.
Birth doulas
A birth doula gets to know you during pregnancy and stays with you throughout labour and birth. They usually
- meet you two to four times before the birth
- offer phone and message support during pregnancy
- are on call from about 38 weeks until your baby arrives
- support you throughout labour, however long it takes
- visit once or twice after the birth
Postnatal doulas
A postnatal doula supports you at home in the days, weeks or sometimes months after your baby arrives. Their focus is on you as a family, not just the baby. They might
- help with feeding, whether breast, bottle or both
- look after your baby while you rest or shower
- make a meal or do some light housework
- help older children adjust to the new arrival
- listen when you need to talk
- point you towards other help if you need it
Side by side
| Birth doula | Postnatal doula | |
|---|---|---|
| When they help | Pregnancy, labour and just after birth | Days to months after birth |
| How you pay | One package price | By the hour |
| Typical cost | £800 to £2,500 | £15 to £30 an hour |
| When to book | Usually 12 to 25 weeks | During pregnancy or after birth |
Which one do you need?
A birth doula might suit you if
- you feel anxious about labour
- you want a familiar face by your side on the day
- you had a difficult birth before and want things to feel different
- your birth partner would like support too
A postnatal doula might suit you if
- family live far away or your partner works away
- you're recovering from a caesarean or a difficult birth
- you'd like help getting feeding off to a good start
- you're expecting twins or already have young children
A postnatal doula is different from a maternity nurse or night nanny. A maternity nurse mainly looks after the baby. A postnatal doula looks after the whole family, including you.
Not sure what you need yet? That's fine. Many doulas offer both types of support, and a free first chat can help you work it out.
Who this guide isn't for. If you're looking for medical advice about your pregnancy, speak to your midwife or GP. This guide is about choosing support, not about clinical decisions.