frequently asked questions

What experience do you have as a doula?

I have been supporting families for over six years, walking alongside them through a wide variety of births — from serene home water births to hospital inductions and cesarean births. Each experience has deepened my knowledge, compassion, and trust in the birth process. No two births are the same, and my role is always to adapt, listen, and provide unwavering support that helps you feel safe, calm, and empowered.

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How many births do you support each month?

To give every family the time, presence, and care they deserve, I only take on two births per month. This means when you book me, you can be assured of my full attention, energy, and commitment to you.

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What area do you cover?

I work exclusively within Leicestershire. This allows me to be fully present and available to my clients without overstretching, and it means I know the local hospitals, midwives, and birth professionals extremely well.

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Do you support IVF pregnancies or fertility journeys?

Yes. As a fertility doula, I support individuals and couples through IVF and other assisted conception journeys with compassion, understanding, and practical tools. Whether you’re navigating the emotional highs and lows of IVF or moving from fertility treatment into pregnancy, I’m here to walk beside you every step of the way.

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What does being ‘on-call’ mean?

From 10 days prior to EDD until your baby arrives, I’m officially on-call for you. This means my phone is always on, my diary is clear, and I’m ready to come to you day or night when your labour begins. It also means you can reach out at any time during that period for reassurance, questions, or support.

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Why do you charge more for births over Christmas and New Year?

Christmas is a very special time for my family, especially as I have two young children. Being on-call and attending a birth over the festive period means stepping away from those precious moments. The higher fee reflects the true value of my time during this season, as well as the commitment I make to still be fully available, present, and dedicated to you and your baby. It ensures that even at the most family-focused time of year, you receive the same unwavering care and support you deserve.​

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Why are you more expensive than other doulas?

Great question — and one I’m proud to answer openly. My fee reflects not only my six years of experience and the wide variety of births I’ve supported, but also the fact that I am highly recognised and recommended by professionals across Leicestershire. When you invest in me, you are choosing someone with a proven reputation, cultural sensitivity, and a trusted presence in both the South Asian community and the wider birth community. Most importantly, you’re investing in peace of mind — knowing you’ll have experienced, personalised, unwavering support by your side.

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Why do you specialise in supporting South Asian / South Indian families?

As a proud South Indian woman, I understand the cultural traditions, family dynamics, and unique expectations that often surround birth in our community. I bridge the gap between modern maternity care and the deep-rooted cultural values many of us carry. Whether it’s navigating conversations with extended family, holding space for your spiritual practices, or blending hypnobirthing with traditional rituals, I ensure your care feels authentic, respectful, and personal to you.

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​How do professionals respond to you being a doula?

Over the years, I’ve built strong, respectful relationships with midwives, consultants, and other healthcare professionals across Leicestershire. Many of them actively welcome me into the birth space, recognising the value a doula brings in creating calm, confident families. I’m often told that my presence helps everyone work more smoothly together — midwives can focus on clinical care, while I ensure emotional support, advocacy, and comfort for the family. I’m proud to be trusted and recommended by professionals locally, which gives you the reassurance that when I walk into your birth space, I am seen as a supportive part of the team.

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What does a doula actually do?

Think of me as your calm anchor and advocate during pregnancy, birth, and beyond. I don’t replace your midwife or doctor — instead, I complement them by focusing on your emotional, physical, and practical needs. I help you prepare for birth with education and techniques like hypnobirthing, relaxation, and comfort measures. During labour, I stay by your side, offering reassurance, advocacy, and hands-on comfort. After birth, I continue to support you as you step into parenthood, making sure you feel cared for, heard, and never alone.

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Why should I hire a doula if I already have a midwife/partner? 

Your partner and your midwife are invaluable — but their roles are different. A midwife’s focus is on your clinical care and your baby’s wellbeing. Your partner’s focus is on loving and supporting you. My role as a doula is to hold the bigger picture: protecting your space, helping you navigate choices, reminding your partner how to support you, and ensuring you feel grounded, confident, and powerful. With me, you gain continuous care and advocacy that makes your whole team stronger.

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Do you support all types of birth?

Absolutely. Whether you’re planning a homebirth, hospital birth, water birth, VBAC, induction, or cesarean, I’ll walk with you every step of the way. My role isn’t to impose an idea of the “right” birth — it’s to help you create the birth experience that feels right for you.

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​​How do you work with partners?

I never replace partners — I enhance them. Many partners worry about “what to do” during birth, and I gently guide them with tools, encouragement, and reassurance so they feel confident and involved. Birth becomes something you experience together, with me holding the space so you both can focus fully on the arrival of your baby.

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What if I book you last-minute?

Life doesn’t always follow a neat timeline. I offer last-minute birth support packages for families who suddenly realise they don’t want to do this alone. Even if you’re in your final weeks (or even days), I can step in quickly, prepare you with essential tools, and provide the calm presence you need on the day of birth. (Given I have the availability)

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How do I know if you’re the right doula for me?

Trust your instincts. If you’re looking for a doula who is warm, grounded, deeply experienced, and culturally sensitive — someone who will fiercely advocate for you while also holding you with gentleness — then I may be the right fit. The best way to find out is to book a free initial chat with me. We’ll talk through your hopes, fears, and vision for birth, and you’ll get a true feel for whether I’m the doula to walk this path with you.

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Do you support caesarean births?

Yes, absolutely. A caesarean birth is still a birth — and it deserves the same calm, respectful, and supported environment as any other. Whether your caesarean is planned or becomes necessary during labour, I’ll be by your side to help you feel grounded and informed. I can guide you through what to expect, offer relaxation and hypnobirthing techniques tailored for surgery, and provide reassurance for both you and your partner. After birth, I support you with recovery, bonding, and feeding, so you feel nurtured every step of the way.

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What does continuity of care mean?

Continuity of care means I am with you throughout your journey — from our first meeting, through pregnancy, into labour, birth, and the postnatal period. Unlike shift-based staff, I don’t swap out or hand over. You know me, I know you, and that relationship creates trust, safety, and confidence. Many families tell me this consistency makes the biggest difference — because no matter what happens, you always have a familiar, steady presence who knows your wishes and holds your space.

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What does a postnatal doula do?

As a postnatal doula, I support you in the delicate weeks after birth — when life with a newborn is beautiful but also overwhelming. My role is to nurture you as a mother/parent, not just the baby. I provide emotional reassurance, practical help, guidance with feeding, rest, and recovery, and a safe space for you to share your feelings without judgment.

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How long can I book you for after birth?

Every family’s needs are different. Some book me for just a few weeks, others for several months. I offer flexible packages, from a handful of hours each week to more regular support, depending on what feels right for you.

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Do you help with breastfeeding or bottle feeding?

Yes. I support all feeding choices with respect and compassion. I can help you with practical breastfeeding techniques, positioning, and confidence-building, or make bottle feeding calm, organised, and stress-free. My goal is always to help you feel confident and supported in however you choose to feed your baby.

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Do you help with things other than the baby?

Absolutely. My role is to care for the whole family. That might mean cooking you nourishing meals, folding laundry, helping with older siblings, running small errands, or simply holding your baby while you take a shower, nap, or just have some space to breathe.

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Why should I hire a postnatal doula instead of relying on family?

Family support is wonderful — but it often comes with expectations, opinions, and sometimes pressure. My support is different: it’s non-judgmental, unconditional, and tailored entirely to you. I listen, nurture, and hold the space so you can recover and adjust with peace, rather than feeling overwhelmed.

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Do you offer postnatal doula support for adoptive families?

Yes, absolutely. Welcoming a baby or child through adoption is a profound and emotional transition, and you deserve just as much support as any new parent. As your postnatal doula, I can help you settle into parenthood, bond with your child, and create a nurturing rhythm at home.

This might look like:

• Supporting you through the early bonding process with your baby/child

• Offering practical help around the home so you can focus on attachment and rest

• Providing emotional support as you navigate the unique layers of adoption

• Helping with feeding, routines, and sleep transitions if your child is an infant

• Offering gentle reassurance as you find confidence in your new role as a parent

My care is always tailored to your family’s needs, whether you’re adopting a newborn, infant, or older child.

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Have a question that's not been answered here?

Drop me a message and I will be happy to help.