Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a doula cost?
The cost of a doula in the UK varies depending on experience, location, and the level of support offered. On average, doula prices in the UK range from £800 to £2,500 for birth packages, and from £25 to £50 per hour for postnatal support. For specific doula prices in Cheshire or Staffordshire, please contact me directly for a price-list & tailored quote.
How can I pay for doula services?
You can pay via bank transfer, card payment, or Clearpay, which allows you to spread the cost over four interest-free instalments. I require a deposit of 15% to secure on-call period and due-date. I also offer flexible payment plans for birth support, workshops, and postnatal care - just let me know what works best for you.
I believe that everyone deserves support during pregnancy and birth, so I also offer reduced rates for families experiencing financial hardship. If cost is a barrier, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, we can have a confidential chat about what’s possible.
What’s included in your doula support packages?
As a birth doula, I offer antenatal visits, on-call birth support, and postnatal check-ins - for both you and your partner if you have one. You can also add services like pregnancy education, biomechanics, and personalised planning for home births, hospital births, or caesareans in Cheshire & Staffordshire.
What does a doula actually do?
A doula provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support throughout pregnancy, birth, and the early postnatal period. Unlike midwives, doulas are not clinical staff -we’re there just for you, helping you feel informed, calm, and confident.
As your doula, I help you prepare for birth by exploring your options, supporting informed decision-making, and being a consistent, reassuring presence during labour - whether that’s at home, in hospital, or in a birth centre (MLU). I also offer postnatal support to help with recovery, feeding, and adjusting to life with your new baby.
Research shows that having a doula can lead to:
Shorter labours
Lower rates of caesarean birth and assisted delivery
Fewer requests for pain relief
Increased satisfaction with the birth experience
Better outcomes for both parent and baby
This is because continuous support reduces stress, helps you stay connected to your body, and creates space for informed, respectful care. Doulas are especially helpful in navigating maternity systems, advocating for your preferences, and providing comfort techniques throughout labour.
Whether you’re planning a natural birth, C-section, VBAC, or simply want someone by your side who understands birth, doulas are a great addition to any birth.
Do I need a doula if I already have a midwife?
Yes, doulas and midwives work in different ways. Your midwife focuses on clinical care, while a doula offers continuous non-medical support. Having both can help you feel more in control and better informed - especially if you’re planning a VBAC, homebirth, or want support navigating your birth rights.
Do you offer support for water births or home births?
Yes. I support homebirths across Cheshire, including Leighton and surrounding areas. I work alongside Midwifery teams at Leighton and other Hospitals in Cheshire & Staffordshire, to ensure your preferences are supported and you feel confident in your birth space. Water births can be facilitated at home, on an MLU or on a labour ward/obstetric unit - dependent on availability of pools.
Do you support births in hospitals as well as at home?
Absolutely. I support clients planning hospital births at Leighton, birth centre (MLU) births, home births, and planned C-sections. I also travel to hospitals across Cheshire and Staffordshire, including Liverpool Women’s, Warrington, Countess of Chester, Macclesfield & Royal Stoke (UHNM).
Do you run antenatal or natural childbirth classes?
Yes, I offer personalised 1:1 childbirth education sessions across Cheshire & Staffordshire, along with online classes and in-person workshops in Crewe, Sandbach, Nantwich, and surrounding areas. If you're looking for NCT-style antenatal classes in Cheshire or Staffordshire but want to cater the information to your own unique circumstances, my sessions are relaxed, inclusive, and grounded in evidence-based practice. And shaped to you.
Are you a trained doula?
Yes. I’m fully trained and insured, with additional qualifications in birth biomechanics, trauma-informed care, and perinatal mental health. I also attend regular CPD, and am familiar with the Leighton Hospital maternity care pathways including MLU, homebirth, and theatre or cesarean birth.
Do you offer doula services near me?
If you’re searching for a doula near me in Cheshire, Staffordshire, Sandbach, Nantwich, Crewe, Alsager, or surrounding areas, I’d love to support you. I also offer virtual services for clients further afield.
When should I book a doula?
Most families book a birth doula between 20 and 30 weeks, but it’s never too early or too late to reach out. I sometimes have last-minute availability, and I also offer one-off birth planning sessions if you're nearing your due date.
Do you run or recommend birth doula training near me?
While I don’t run training myself, I’m happy to recommend accredited birth doula training near you. I do offer 1:1 biomechanics workshops for birth professionals wanting an overview in how biomechanics can support their work,
What is the midwife team like in Crewe & Nantwich?
The midwives in this area are part of the Leighton Hospital maternity service. Many parents speak positively about their care, especially when supported by the Eden Team, which offers continuity across Community, MLU, and Homebirth settings. I work closely with this team and others at Leighton, and can help you prepare for booking appointments with questions that reflect your preferences and options.
I also work with hospitals across the Cheshire & Merseyside maternity network, including Macclesfield, Warrington Hospital, Liverpool Women’s Hospital, Countess of Chester Hospital and Royal Stoke (UHNM) in Staffordshire. This means I can support you with accurate, up-to-date information-wherever you're planning to give birth.
Still have questions?
Feel free to get in touch. I’m happy to chat and help you explore what feels right for your family - whether you are pregnant, postpartum or another doula looking for information or support.