What exactly is a birth doula and how can you support my labour?
As your birth doula in Canterbury and across Kent, I provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support throughout your entire labour and birth journey. I'm there to help you feel calm and confident, suggest comfort measures and positioning, support your birth partner, and help you communicate with your medical team. Think of me as your experienced advocate who's completely focused on you and your needs during this incredible experience.

Do you replace my midwife or medical team?
Not at all! I work alongside your NHS midwives, consultants, and medical team in Kent. While they focus on the clinical aspects of your care, I'm there to support you emotionally and physically.
I don't perform any medical tasks like checking blood pressure or examinations, that's what your qualified medical professionals are for.

What areas of Kent do you cover for birth support?
I support families across East Kent. I'm familiar with our local hospitals here, and know many of the staff that work there.

When do we start working together?
We begin with three 2.5-hour antenatal sessions, usually at your home in Kent. These are so important, we'll explore your birth preferences, discuss your hopes and concerns, and plan how I can best support you and your partner. I'm also available for phone and email support from the moment you sign our agreement, and I go on-call 24/7 from 38 weeks.

What happens when I go into labour?
Call me immediately when you think labour might be starting - day or night! We'll chat through what you're experiencing, and I can either come to your home first or meet you at your chosen birth place in Kent. I aim to be with you within 1.5-2 hours, allowing time to arrange care for my own family. Every labour is different, so we'll work together to decide the best timing for my arrival.

How long will you stay with me during labour?
I'll be by your side throughout your entire labour and birth, however long it takes - whether that's 6 hours or 36 hours! I will take breaks when needed and always at appropriate moments. I typically stay for about 2 hours after birth to help safeguard those precious bonding moments and support early feeding if you'd like.

What if I need a caesarean birth?
I absolutely support caesarean births too! If you need an emergency or elective caesarean, I'll stay with you and provide emotional support. If policy allows, I can even accompany you into theatre.
For planned caesareans, we can discuss how I can best support you, which might include additional antenatal preparation and extended postnatal support. If you choose to have an elective later on in your pregnancy then my support can move to postnatal - usually around 10 hours.

Do you support home births in Kent?
Yes! I love supporting home births across Kent. If you're planning a home birth, I'll be there to provide continuous support in your familiar environment. If transfer to hospital becomes necessary, I'll come with you and continue supporting you there.

What's included in your birth doula package?
Your complete birth doula support includes:

• 3 antenatal sessions (2.5 hours each) at your home

• 24/7 on-call availability from 38 weeks

• Continuous support throughout labour and birth

• Up to 2 hours post-birth support

• 1 postnatal home visit (up to 3 hours) in your first 6 weeks

• Phone/WhatsApp support during early weeks

• Support for your birth partner too

What if you can't attend my birth?
This is incredibly rare, but I have a trusted backup doula, who can step in if I'm unwell or attending another birth if that is what you would like. You'll have the opportunity to meet her beforehand, and she'll be fully briefed on your birth preferences. If I miss your birth due to rapid labour (baby born within 2 hours of calling me), I'll provide two additional postnatal sessions.

How much does birth doula support cost in Kent?
My complete birth doula package is £1,350, paid in two instalments: £675 retainer when you book (securing your dates), and £675 at 36 weeks. This investment covers all the services mentioned above and gives you peace of mind knowing you have experienced, continuous support throughout your Kent birth experience.

Can you support VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) in Kent? Absolutely! We'll spend time in our antenatal sessions discussing your previous birth experience, your hopes for this birth, and how I can best support you through any anxieties or concerns.

What if my partner feels unsure about having a doula?
Many partners initially worry that a doula might take over their role, but actually the opposite is true. I support both of you, helping your partner know how to help you, taking some pressure off them, and ensuring they can be fully present for the emotional experience rather than worrying about practical support.

Do you work with all birth preferences and choices?
Yes! Whether you're planning a homebirth, want all the pain relief available, are having a planned caesarean, or are somewhere in between, I support YOUR choices without judgment. My role is to help you have a positive birth experience as YOU define it, not as I or others think it should be.

Ready to discuss birth doula support in Kent?
I'd love to chat about how I can support your birth journey. Contact me on WhatsApp (07880368104) or email hello@samthedoula.co.uk to arrange a no-obligation conversation about your hopes and plans for birth.