FAQ'S
Doula
What is a birth doula?
A birth doula provides continuous emotional, physical and informational support throughout pregnancy, labour and birth. My role is to help you feel informed, supported and confident while honouring your choices and creating a calm, nurturing birth experience.
What does a birth doula do?
Emotional Support
A calm, reassuring presence
Encouragement and continuous support
A listening ear without judgement
Helping you feel confident, safe and cared for
Physical Support
Comfort measures during labour
Breathing and relaxation techniques
Positioning and movement suggestions
Massage and hands-on comfort (where appropriate)
Education & Preparation
Evidence-based information and resources
Birth planning and preparation
Exploring your options with confidence
Helping you make informed decisions
Advocacy Support
Supporting your voice and birth preferences
Encouraging informed decision-making
Helping facilitate communication with your care team
Ensuring you feel heard, respected and empowered
Will you replace my midwife or doctor?
No. Your medical team is responsible for your clinical care and the health of you and your baby. As your doula, I work alongside them, providing non-medical support, comfort measures, encouragement and reassurance throughout your journey.
Why hire a doula?
Birth is a powerful experience, and having continuous support can make a meaningful difference. Research shows that people who have the support of a doula are more likely to feel satisfied with their birth experience, feel more confident and supported, and may experience benefits such as reduced interventions, shorter labours and a lower likelihood of caesarean birth.
A doula provides something unique — continuous, one-on-one support focused entirely on you. While your medical team cares for your clinical needs, I am there to support your emotional wellbeing, provide comfort measures, help you understand your options and remind you of your strength throughout your journey.
Because when a mother feels supported, informed and cared for, she can enter birth feeling confident, empowered and held with love.
https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/
Can I still have a doula if my partner will be there?
Absolutely. A doula doesn't replace your partner—I support both of you. I help your partner feel confident and involved while ensuring they can focus on supporting you without feeling like they have to know everything.
What doesn't a doula do?
While I provide continuous emotional, physical and informational support, there are some things that fall outside my role. As your doula, I do not:
- Perform medical procedures or clinical assessments
- Give medical advice or make decisions on your behalf
- Replace your midwife, doctor or other healthcare providers
- Diagnose or treat medical conditions
- Speak for you or make decisions for your care
- Guarantee a particular birth outcome
My role is to support, encourage and empower you, helping you feel informed, heard and held with love throughout your journey.
What types of birth do you support?
Every birth is welcome. I have most experience in homebirth, birth centre, natural birth and VBAC, but am happy to support any birth including hospital birth, home birth, induction and caesarean. Regardless of how you choose to birth, I will support you with the same warmth, respect and care.
When should I book?
The earlier, the better to ensure availability. I recommend booking ASAP, as I have a limit of how many births I take per month. Although most families book by the second trimester, if I have availability, I'd be honoured to support you at any stage of your pregnancy.
Can I contact you between meetings?
Always! I am here for you throughout you're pregnancy. My contactable hours while you're in my care are 7am - 9pm and 24/7 for true emergencies. From 37 weeks I'm on call for you 24/7. For general contact, I will aim to respond promptly, however there may be a delay if I am at a birth, or sometimes just because of life (5 kids), but I will always respond as soon as I can.
Do you have a back up doula just in case?
Yes, I have a backup doula who I've carefully chosen; someone who shares the same qualities as me as this is extremely important. In saying that, back up's are rarely needed but sometimes life happens.
When do you go on call?
I go on call for you at 37 weeks pregnant. Whilst I am here for you 24hrs during that time, it is best to only call me when true labour has started and you are needing support. I am happy to meet you at the hospital or meet at your home first to support you during those initial hours before hospital is needed. The longer a mother labours for at home, the better her birth outcomes and the lower the risk of interventions.
How long do you stay?
I stay from when you need me, until you're settled after birth, usually 2 hours post birth. However I have a limit of 18 hours, at which point my back up doula will take over.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! I want everyone to have access to the care and support they need. If you need a payment plan or desire care but are in a financially difficult position please reach out and we can discuss options.
What is the investment to hire you?
Please head to the 'doula' tab to see pricing and packages! My pricing reflects the value I bring:
- I only support 2 families a month so I can provide a very personalised level of care and form a deep connection with you
- I have done extensive studies with 'Doula Training Academy Australia' and continue to invest in ongoing studies so my knowledge is current and evidence based
- As a Mum of 5 I have extensive first hand experience with all things birth
- I am a second generation birth worker and grew up watching and learning from my Mum
- I am known for my warm, nurturing care and how I leave people feeling - held, supported and loved
What area do you service?
SOR Perth, within 30km of Yangebup. Please contact me if you're unsure wether you are within that area!
Can you take photos during my birth?
If you hire me as your doula, my primary goal is supporting you however you need. If it doesn't compromise your care, I'd be happy to snap some shots on your device, however it isn't my priority and I cant guarantee I'll get the shots you want.
If you are wanting your birth captured in beautiful images I offer a discount of 50% on my birth photography package to my doula clients. This way I am there to do both jobs, and we will make a plan together what this will look like or you.
You haven't answered my question, can I contact you?
Absolutely! I'd love to hear from you! All my contact details are on my 'contact' page.
Photography
When should I book?
Birth photography is best booked asap during pregnancy to secure on-call availability. For other photography I recommend booking at least a month prior. Maternity sessions are usually held between 28–34 weeks, fresh 48 in the first 48 hours of bubs life, newborn sessions within the first two weeks after birth, and family sessions can be booked at any time.
What if my baby comes early or late?
Babies rarely arrive exactly on their due date! For birth photography and doula support, I provide on-call availability around your due date so I'm ready whenever your little one decides it's time.
What is your photography style?
I shoot a mixture of candid and posed shots. I love documenting peoples natural connections. I shoot mostly outdoors, primarily at the beach, for maternity and families, although also offer photoshoots in your home. Newborn shoots I come to you at home, and bring props and baby outfits/blankets. I shoot only with natural lighting, besides birth photography. My editing style is bright, light, cool tones, with a hint of golden light. For birth photos, I usually edit more darker tones and black and white.
What should we wear for our session?
You are free to wear whatever you are comfortable in!
However to get lovely aesthetic shots, my recommendations are:
Birth -
Whatever you feel comfortable in, and that will likely change as labour progresses. There are no clothing requirements. Most mother are nude while others are more comfortable in a bra, bikini or robe.
Maternity -
Flowing dresses and robes make for lovely photos. I also offer mermaid and modest nude photos. I have a client wardrobe that is available complimentary for my photography clients. For men/dads, light neutral colours are best.
Newborn -
For most images babies will be nude, or wrapped. I also have a client wardrobe of little outfits to choose from, or you can provide your own.
Family -
Neutral colours and matching outfits always make for the most aesthetically pleasing shots, but there are no requirements! Where what you feel is best.
How and when will I receive my photos?
Your images will be professionally edited and delivered through a private online gallery, where you can download, share and order prints. Delivery timeframes will be discussed before your session.
Can I book both doula support and photography?
Yes. Golden Hour was created to offer both nurturing birth support and beautiful storytelling. Many families love combining the two services for a seamless, supportive experience from pregnancy through to birth.
Will you be intrusive during my birth?m
Not at all. My approach is calm, gentle and respectful. I aim to myself as invisible as possible whilst still getting the best photos. I quietly document the moments as they unfold, allowing you and your partner to stay focused on welcoming your baby while I preserve the story around you.
What happens if my birth happens quickly and you miss it?
Babies arrive in their own timing, and every birth is different. I provide on-call availability around your due date and we will discuss the best plan to ensure I am ready when your baby decides to arrive.
However if I miss your birth, you will be fully refunded, minus an admin booking fee and oncall charge.
Do you photograph everything during birth?
Your comfort and privacy always come first. Before your birth, we will discuss your preferences, including what moments you would like captured and anything you would prefer not to be photographed.
How many photos will I receive?
The number of images depends on the package you choose. Every delivered gallery is carefully hand-selected and professionally edited to tell the complete story of your session.
What if my baby doesn't sleep during our newborn session?
That is completely okay. Your baby does not need to be perfectly settled for beautiful photographs. I allow plenty of time, follow your baby's cues and capture the genuine moments of your family together, with patience.
What area do you service?
SOR Perth, within 30km of Yangebup. Please contact me if you're unsure wether you are within that area!
If outside of travel area I can still work with you, there will just be a travel fee.
I still have more questions, can I contact you?
Absolutely! I'd love to hear from you! All my contact details are on my 'contact' page.