REFERRALS

We accept referrals on behalf of people from 6 months* of pregnancy or within the first 6 weeks of the postnatal period, who are experiencing isolation, are unsupported, living in disadvantaged circumstances and financial hardship.

This is done on a case-by-case basis, so please ask us if you know of someone who could benefit from the service and is less than 6 months pregnant.

REFERRALS CURRENTLY CLOSED

We have temporarily stopped accepting new referrals while we work to support those on our current caseload.

We will update here and on Instagram when we are open again.

WHO WE SUPPORT

We accept referrals on behalf of people from 6 months of pregnancy or within the first 6 weeks of the postnatal period, who are in isolation, or unsupported, in disadvantage and in financial hardship*.

Our Doula services are available to any woman/person who is experiencing financial hardship* and is:

At affect of domestic / intimate partner violence and / or sexual violence
Experiencing homelessness
A survivor / victim of human trafficking
Under 20 years old and unsupported
A survivor / victim of rape
With refugee / recent asylum seeking status
At least one of the above and experiencing or preparing for baby loss.

*We define financial hardship as without funds beyond basic accommodation and living expenses.

WHO CAN REFER

We can only accept referrals made by health or social care professionals / support workers or community members and are unfortunately not in a position to be able to accept self-referrals at this time.

Only use the linked form above to make a safe and secure online referral to Doulas Without Borders on behalf of your nominee.

Please ensure that you have the person's full permission and consent to contact us.

Step 1: Referral

Our service works through a referral system. Women/people should ask a health or social care professional, a community member who can vouch for them, or a support worker to fill out the referral form on their behalf.

We accept referrals for women and people during pregnancy or within the first 6 weeks of the postnatal period. We can only offer support if the person is in extreme financial hardship,which we define as without funds beyond accommodation and food. For those who are experiencing a more borderline financial hardship, we suggest women apply for a low cost Doula via Doula UK.

Once we have received your referral form, we will consult our Doulas Without Borders Directory to find a match based on your geographical location and specific needs of your nominee. We tend to create a team of supporters around each client, rather than just one Doula. We then assign a lead Doula based on experience and availability and the whole team is also supported by one of our Community Elders. We have a highly skilled team of specialist Consultants who are also available for each team, on request.

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Step 2: Getting to Know Each Other

Doulas make a connection with the referred woman or person by having a meeting. Based on this first meeting, they will collaborate in creating a bespoke care package. This will create opportunities for the woman/person and Doula to deepen their relationship and could include things like:

Birth preparation sessions
Attending appointments together
Signposting and ensuring that the client can access information needed
Co-exploring choices and preferences
Discussing comfort measures and strategies for birth
Establishing networks of support
Creating strategies for the postnatal period

Step 3: Labour & Birth

The Doula/s will be on call to provide support starting two weeks before the estimated due date. The Doula/s will accompany the mother or person throughout the labour and birth, offering physical and emotional support, advocacy and companionship. Should there be attendance restrictions due to the pandemic, the team will look at other supportive methods. Often, a Doula is allowed in as the sole partner.

Our Doulas will liaise with family, friends and medical staff (where necessary) to advocate for the mother's choices, and will ensure that the mother is best supported for their individual needs. Most importantly, the Doulas will provide a familiar and friendly face to comfort and reassure the woman during this vulnerable and powerful time.

Step 4: The Postnatal Period

Doulas help with the transition into life with a newborn by offering practical and emotional support. We can help with:

Infant feeding support
Self-care strategies
Establishing networks of support
Signposting and access to information and specialist services