Birth Doula in Worthing and West Sussex
I'm Mai, a birth doula based in Worthing. I support you through pregnancy, stay by your side through labour and birth, and make sure you and your birth partner feel calm, informed and listened to. I work with families across Worthing, Brighton, Hove, Shoreham, Lancing, Chichester and the wider West Sussex area, usually up to about an hour from Worthing.
Message Mai on WhatsApp to talk about your birth and whether we're a good fit.
What does a birth doula do?
A birth doula gives you continuous emotional, practical and informational support before and during labour. I'm not a medical professional and I don't replace your midwife or doctor. My job is to be the steady, familiar person who is there for you the whole way through, not just for a shift.
Your midwife looks after the clinical side of your care. I look after how you feel: helping you understand your options, keeping the room calm, suggesting positions and comfort measures, and supporting your partner so they can support you.
What's included in Birth Doula Support
Antenatal sessions. We get to know each other, talk through your hopes, worries and birth preferences, and prepare you and your birth partner for labour. I teach hypnobirthing techniques as part of this preparation.
On call for your birth. I'm on call from 37 weeks until your baby arrives, so you can reach me when labour starts.
Continuous support in labour. I join you when you're ready for me and stay with you throughout labour and birth, at home or in hospital.
Support for your birth partner. I help your partner know what to do, take breaks when they need to, and feel part of the birth.
How I support you during labour
Every labour is different, so my support changes with you. That might mean helping you into comfortable positions, massage, breathing with you, keeping the lights low and the atmosphere calm, fetching drinks and snacks, or quietly holding your hand. If things change, I help you understand what's being suggested so you can ask questions and make choices that feel like yours.
I support all kinds of births: home births, hospital births, water births, births with an epidural, and planned or unplanned caesareans. Whatever your plans, I'm in your corner.
Is a birth doula right for me?
Families usually choose a birth doula because they want one familiar person with them from start to finish. You might be planning your first birth and want to feel prepared, or you might want your next birth to feel different from your last. Many partners also like having someone experienced alongside them so they're not on their own.
If you'd also like support in the weeks after your baby arrives, take a look at Complete Journey Support, which brings pregnancy, birth and postnatal support together. If you'd like help preparing for birth without labour support, Essential Support may suit you better.
Birth doula questions
When should I book a birth doula?
Most families get in touch during the second trimester, which leaves plenty of time for antenatal sessions. It's rarely too late, though. If you're further along, get in touch and we'll see what's possible.
How much does a birth doula cost?
My support is tailored to each family, so prices are on enquiry. We'll talk through what you need on a free call, and I'll give you a clear price before you decide anything. You can read more in my guide to how much a doula costs in the UK.
Will you come to the hospital with me?
Yes. I can support you at home and in hospital, including Worthing Hospital, St Richard's in Chichester and the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. Hospital policies on birth companions can change, so we'll check the current rules together before your due date.
Does a birth doula replace my midwife?
No. Your midwife provides your medical care. I provide continuous emotional and practical support alongside them. You can read more in doula vs midwife: what's the difference?
What if I have a caesarean?
I can still support you. For a planned caesarean we prepare together beforehand, and I can be with you before and after the birth. Whether a doula can come into theatre depends on the hospital, so we'll check that together in advance.
Get in touch with Mai
The first step is a WhatsApp message. You can ask anything you like, tell me about your plans, and see whether we feel like a good fit. There's no pressure and no commitment.
Message me on WhatsApp on 07792 133413 or use my contact form.