• Doulas of North America, one of the biggest doula associations, describes a doula as "a trained and experienced woman who provides continuous physical and emotional support to a woman before, during and immediately following childbirth".
  
• If you are expecting and don't have extended family on hand (mother, mother-in-law, sisters) or if you prefer not to have to rely on them at this time, a doula may be the perfect option for you. They are ideal if you want to look after your new baby yourself but would welcome support and advice from an experienced mother. This relatively new option is becoming more and more popular in the U.S.

Duties:

• Essentially Doulas help pregnant mothers before, sometimes during, and after the birth of the baby.
  
• During labour they provide support for both the mother and father. Keeping them calm, giving advise and providing general moral support. They are there in addition to the midwife, they do not have a medical role.
  
• After the birth they are on hand for mother and newborn care - often dropping in for a few hours every day. They provide breast feeding support and advice, will look after the older children, whip up some meals, run errands and help keep the house clean so that the mother can concentrate on recovery.
  
• A doula functions in the same way as a member of an extended family. She takes the role a mother or sister would fulfil in the same situation.

Qualifications:
Doulas are generally women who have had children themselves so understand the traumas of childbirth and the crucial first few weeks. Doula training adds to this real life experience so that the doula can provide emotional support during labour and proper post partum care.

Cost:
Doulas earn between £7 and £10 per hour. You can hire a birth doula for £200.

Hours:
Doulas usually work a minimum of four hours per day. You can hire a doula for a couple of weeks or several months, depending on your needs.

If you have any tips on Doulas please email help@bestbear.co.uk