Many women choose their baby’s father as their birthing partner, but you can choose anyone you trust – your mum, sister, a close friend, or even a doula.
A doula offers emotional and practical support before, during and after you’ve had your baby. They can act as your birth partner or as an extra help to both you and the baby. They can accompany you in the hospital or be present at your home if you’ve chosen to have a home birth. However, their job isn’t to replace a midwife. Doulas are trained and experienced in childbirth and their primary role is to enable you to have the most satisfying and empowered experience possible. They provide continual care and objective advice while keeping both you and your birth partner focused on your birth plan.
You can find out more about the philosophy and service of doulas, and search for one in your area at doula.org.uk
During the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it may help to have a backup birthing partner, as the current guidance from the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists2 is that if your birth partner is experiencing coronavirus symptoms, they will not be allowed to go into the hospital with you. You can find out more about this and about giving birth alone here.