A Doula provides medical, emotional and practical support during pregnancy and birth. Although medically untrained many people feel that the companionship provided by Doulas improve the child birth experience. Doulas are big in the US and their numbers are growing in the UK.

As a Doula you will help prepare someone who is pregnant for the child birth experience. A Doula does not provide medical support - that’s left to the doctors and midwives. Part friend, part therapist, part mother figure, you will support the mother in the weeks and months leading up to the mothers ‘due date’ and you will be there providing support throughout labour and during the post-natal period. The relationship between the Doula and mother is a close one and is one of the benefits of this type of business.

I would suggest that personal experience of pregnancy is a great advantage in this business, although this is not essential. However, a predisposition towards caring and supporting people is recommended. A mature outlook on life might also be helpful. A supportive partner/ spouse would also help as you will be working irregular hours and possibly overnight.

Doula UK (www.doula.org.uk) is a professional association for Doulas in the UK. Their detailed website also includes links to training providers. Doula.com is run by a Doula in Alaska, USA and includes further information and an active online Doula discussion forum where you can find out lots more about being a Doula and communicate with other Doulas. An active discussion forum is also on the Doulas of North America website (www.dona.org).

Expect to earn between £250 and £500 per client, in the weeks and months leading up to the birth and post-natal support pays around £10 to £15 per hour. Although you are likely to be supporting more than one client at a time, care should be taken to ensure that you do not over stretch yourself. Your services will be needed most around your clients due date and it is recommended that you keep this time relatively free of other professional commitments.

The Doula Advantage: Your Complete Guide to Having an Empowered and Positive Birth with the Help of a Professional Childbirth Assistant by Mayer Eisenstein (Foreword) and Rachel Gurevich

A Holistic Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth and Recovery: Wisdom from a Doula Karen Salt

The Doula Book: How a Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth by Marshall H. Klaus, John H Kennell and Phyllis H. Klaus