As a Surrey Doula, Here Are My Top 5 Tips When Preparing for Birth
Preparing for the birth of your baby is one of the most important and personal experiences of your life. As a doula who has supported many families through this incredible journey throughout Surrey, Sussex and Kent. I know just how empowering a well-prepared birth can be. Whether you're planning a home birth, hospital birth or something in between, these are my top 5 tips to help you prepare for birth with confidence.
1. Create Thoughtful Birth Preferences
Instead of a fixed birth plan, I encourage you to create a set of birth preferences. Birth can be unpredictable, so flexibility is key. Think about your ideal environment: Do you want dim lighting? Gentle music? Minimal interventions? Clearly outline your preferences, including pain relief options, who you want present and how you'd like to be supported in case your plan needs to change.
2. Educate Yourself on Your Birth Options
Knowledge truly is power. Take time to attend antenatal classes, making friends is important but investing in really good education is key. Read trusted birth books, my favourites are- Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage and Spiritual Midwifery. Understanding what’s happening in your body, the different stages of labour, and the medical options available to you will help you feel more in control and calm. Watch plenty of birth videos, have the tissues ready!
As a doula, I often guide clients through evidence-based resources so they can make informed decisions. A well-informed birthing person is an empowered one!
3. Choose the Right Birth Team
Who you have around you during labour can make a world of difference. Whether it’s your partner, a friend, a midwife or a doula. Choose people who support your vision for birth and bring calm, reassuring energy.
Your birth team should respect your preferences, help advocate for your wishes and know how to support you physically and emotionally. If something unexpected happens, the right team can help you feel safe and grounded.
4. Consider Hiring a Doula
A doula provides continuous, non-medical support during pregnancy, birth, and the early postnatal period. Research shows that having a doula can lead to shorter labours, fewer interventions and a more positive birth experience overall.
As a Surrey-based doula, my role is to empower, inform and hold space for you whether that means hands-on comfort techniques, emotional reassurance or simply reminding you how strong you are. Doula support can make a significant difference, especially if you’re aiming for a calm and empowering birth.
5. Prepare Mentally and Emotionally for Birth
Birth isn’t just physical, it’s deeply emotional. Take time to reflect on your feelings, release fears and build your confidence. Techniques like hypnobirthing, affirmations, meditation, and breathwork can help you connect with your body and prepare your mind for the powerful work of labour.
Being mentally prepared helps you respond to labour with calm and clarity, no matter how your journey unfolds.
If you're looking for personalised doula support in Surrey, I’d love to chat about how I can support you through this transformative time.
Let’s make your birth experience one to remember, for all the right reasons. Book a free call here to chat.