Frequently asked questions

Clear answers, calm support

Whether you’re early in pregnancy or counting down the days, these FAQs cover what a doula does, what to expect from my services, pricing and booking, and the areas I cover across Brighton and East Sussex.

Brighton & East Sussex Evidence-informed, non-judgemental Home, hospital or birth centre
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What is a doula?

Practical and emotional support for you and your birth partner — before, during and after birth.

How does booking work?

A short call, then a no-pressure meet-up. If it feels like a good fit, we reserve your due window.

Where do you travel?

Brighton, Hove, Lewes, Worthing, Shoreham and surrounding areas across East Sussex.

FAQ

Questions you might be wondering

If your question isn’t here, please get in touch — I’m happy to talk things through.

What a doula does

What does a doula do?

A doula offers continuous emotional and practical support in pregnancy, birth and the early postnatal weeks. That can include listening without judgement, helping you explore options, creating a calm environment during labour, supporting your birth partner, and offering reassurance and comfort measures (breathing, positioning, massage and advocacy support).

I don’t replace midwives or doctors. I complement your clinical care by focusing on you — your comfort, confidence and continuity.

Do you provide medical advice or perform clinical tasks?

No. Doulas are non-clinical. I won’t perform examinations, monitor your baby, or give medical advice. I can help you prepare questions for your midwife/consultant, and support you to understand information so you can make informed decisions.

Will you support my birth partner too?

Yes. Many partners want to be deeply involved but aren’t sure what will help in the moment. I support partners with practical ideas, reassurance and breaks — so they can be present and confident, not overwhelmed.

Is a doula only for home births?

Not at all. I support planned home births, birth centre births and hospital births. I also support you if the plan changes. The goal is the same: you feel informed, supported and cared for — wherever you give birth.

Can you support me if I’m having a caesarean?

Yes. Support can include preparation for a planned caesarean, discussing preferences (like gentle caesarean options where available), and postnatal support with feeding, recovery and emotional processing.

Please note that theatre policies vary by hospital; we’ll talk through what support is possible in your chosen setting.

What to expect from my services

What happens in an antenatal session?

Antenatal sessions are tailored to you. We might cover your hopes and concerns, birth options, comfort measures, your birth partner’s role, and how to navigate decision-making. If you’re using hypnobirthing techniques, we can practise relaxation, breathing and mindset tools together.

How do you support me during labour and birth?

I offer calm, continuous support: helping you stay comfortable and grounded, suggesting positions, supporting your breathing, providing massage and counter-pressure, keeping the environment peaceful, and supporting your partner too.

I can also help you pause and process information if decisions arise, so you feel clear and supported.

When do you come to me in labour?

We’ll agree a plan ahead of time, based on your preferences and your previous birth history (if relevant). Typically we start with phone/text support in early labour, then I join you when things are established or when you’d like in-person support.

Do you support feeding and the early postnatal weeks?

Yes. Postnatal support can include practical help (nourishing snacks, light household support), emotional support and debriefing, and feeding support in line with your choices. If specialist clinical feeding support is needed, I’ll help you find the right local services.

I had a difficult previous birth — can you help?

Yes. Many people come to doula support after a previous experience that felt frightening, rushed or disempowering. We can take time to explore what happened, what you want to be different this time, and how to feel more resourced and supported.

Pricing & booking

How much do your services cost?

Pricing depends on the type of support you’d like (antenatal-only sessions, full birth support, or postnatal support). I’ll always confirm costs clearly before you book.

For current packages and availability, please see Services or contact me with your due month and location.

Do you offer payment plans?

Often, yes. If spreading payments would help, let me know and we’ll look at a plan that feels manageable and keeps everything clear.

How far in advance should I book?

If you’re considering full birth support, it’s best to enquire as early as you can — ideally in the second trimester — as I only take a limited number of clients per month to ensure proper on-call support.

If you’re later in pregnancy, still get in touch; I may have space depending on due dates.

What does “on call” mean?

On-call means I keep my schedule flexible around your due window so I can support you when labour begins. We’ll agree the on-call start and end dates in advance, and I’ll explain how to contact me day or night.

Do you work with NHS midwives and hospitals?

Yes. I work alongside your NHS midwives and medical team. I’m there to support you and your partner, and to help communication feel calmer and clearer. Policies can vary between units; we’ll plan with your chosen place of birth in mind.

What if my plans change or I transfer to hospital?

Birth can be unpredictable. If you transfer from home to hospital, or your plan changes in another way, I continue to support you within the boundaries of hospital policy and what feels right for you.

Areas covered

Which areas do you cover?

I’m based in the Brighton area and regularly support families in Brighton, Hove, Lewes, Worthing, Shoreham and across East Sussex. If you’re just outside these areas, please ask — I may still be able to help.

Do you travel for antenatal sessions?

Yes. Antenatal sessions can take place in your home (where feasible) or at an agreed local location. Some sessions may also work well over video call if that’s easier for you.

Are there travel fees?

Travel within the core areas listed above is usually included. For longer journeys, I’ll always confirm any additional travel cost in advance — no surprises.

Do you support births at local hospitals and birth centres?

Yes. If you’re planning to give birth in a hospital or birth centre within Brighton and East Sussex (or nearby), I can support you there, subject to local policies.

Not sure where to start? Send a message with your due month, your location (e.g., Hove, Lewes, Worthing) and the kind of support you’re considering — I’ll reply with next steps.

Next step

Want to talk through your plans?

A short message is enough to get started. Tell me your due month, where you’re based (Brighton, Hove, Lewes, Worthing, Shoreham or nearby), and what kind of support you’re considering.

Dina

Dina Hart

Doula support that’s calm, practical and centred on your choices.

Tip: If you’re unsure what you need, simply share your due date and your biggest question right now.