A doula is a trained non-medical support person who provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to a birthing person and their family during pregnancy, labour, birth, and the postnatal period. Unlike a midwife, a doula does not perform clinical tasks — instead, she focuses entirely on your wellbeing, comfort, and confidence.

What's the difference between a doula and a midwife?

A midwife is a qualified healthcare professional responsible for the clinical aspects of your care — monitoring you and your baby, assessing progress, and providing medical support. A doula has no clinical role. She is there solely to support you: emotionally, practically, and informationally. Doulas and midwives complement each other; having a doula does not replace your midwifery care.

Does having a doula make a difference?

Research consistently shows that continuous support during labour — the kind a doula provides — is associated with more positive birth experiences, reduced need for pain relief, shorter labours, and lower rates of intervention. But beyond the statistics, families who work with a doula often say the biggest difference was simply feeling genuinely supported and informed throughout.

Can I have a doula on the NHS?

Doula support is not currently provided by the NHS and is not covered by NHS funding. It is a private service. Some families access charitable support through organisations like Doula UK's Access Fund, which helps cover doula costs for families who would otherwise be unable to afford it.

What areas do you cover?

Radiant Birth Journey is based in Worthing and provides birth doula and postnatal support across West Sussex and the surrounding area, including Worthing, Littlehampton, Brighton, Hove, Chichester, and surrounding villages. Please get in touch to discuss whether we can support you in your area.

Do you support home births and hospital births?

Yes — doula support is available whether you are planning a home birth, a hospital birth, or a birth centre birth. The majority of families supported by Radiant Birth Journey give birth at Worthing Hospital or the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, where doulas are warmly welcomed.

How much does a doula cost in Worthing?

Birth doula fees in West Sussex typically range from around £800 to £2,000 depending on experience and what is included in the package. Radiant Birth Journey offers a range of packages to suit different needs and budgets, with pricing available on enquiry. A free, no-pressure consultation is the best place to start.

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag — A Doula’s Essential Checklist

7 Aug

Written By Jay Godbold

One of the first things my clients ask me — usually somewhere around 32 to 34 weeks — is "what do I actually need in my hospital bag?" There's so much advice online, most of it in the form of enormous lists that would fill a suitcase. I've seen people turn up to the birth centre with more luggage than they'd take on a fortnight's holiday.

So here's my honest version: what you actually need, what to leave at home, and a few things most lists miss.

Pack Your Bag by 36 Weeks

I always say 36 weeks, without fail. Babies don't read due dates. Having your bag ready well in advance means one less thing on your mind in the final weeks — and if anything happens early, you're sorted.

Have three bags if it helps: one for you during labour, one for after the birth, and a small one for your birth partner or support person.

For Labour

Comfort and pain management:

A TENS machine (hire one well in advance — they book up quickly)
Your birth plan, printed out and in a clear plastic wallet
A small wireless speaker for your labour playlist
A portable phone charger — hospital wards have limited sockets
Massage oil or a massage roller if you know touch helps you
A hair tie or clip if you have long hair
Lip balm — gas and air dries your lips out surprisingly quickly

Clothing:

A loose nightgown or old T-shirt for labour — something you don't mind getting ruined
Warm socks with grip on the soles (hospital floors are cold, and you'll be on your feet)
A dressing gown you can move easily in

Food and drink:

Snacks you actually like — cereal bars, dates, trail mix, fruit pouches
A large water bottle with a straw (straws make drinking during contractions much easier)
Isotonic drinks or coconut water to keep energy up
Snacks for your birth partner — they need to eat too

For After the Birth

For you:

Comfortable, loose nightwear (button-front tops if you plan to breastfeed)
Two or three pairs of high-waisted, dark-coloured knickers — not your best ones
Maternity pads — more than you think you'll need; pack at least ten
Breast pads if you're planning to breastfeed
Nipple cream
Toiletries — deodorant, dry shampoo, face wipes for when a shower isn't immediately possible
Something comfortable to go home in (remember: you'll still be very much postpartum in size)
Any medications you take regularly, plus a copy of your prescription

For baby:

Two or three sleepsuits and vests in both newborn and 0-3 sizes — you genuinely don't know which will fit
A hat
A swaddle blanket or muslin
A car seat (fitted and ready before you go in — you won't be allowed to leave without one)
A going-home outfit if you want one, but honestly a sleepsuit is completely fine

Documents:

Maternity notes — carry these with you from around 36 weeks
Birth plan (printed copies — one for midwives, one for your birth partner)
Your NHS number and any relevant medical information
Your phone and charger

What You Don't Need to Pack

A full skincare routine. An enormous changing bag. Every outfit you've bought for the baby. A pillow from home (hospitals have pillows — you'll be there a day or two, not a fortnight).

Trust me: less is more. Hospitals are hot, you'll barely unpack half of what you bring, and your birth partner will end up carrying it.

My Honest Advice as a Doula

The bag matters far less than the preparation that goes alongside it. Knowing what to expect in labour, having a clear birth plan, and having a support person who understands your wishes — those things make far more difference to your experience than any individual item.

If you'd like to talk through your birth preparation or you're considering doula support here in Worthing or West Sussex, I'd love to hear from you.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I pack my hospital bag?
I recommend having your bag packed and ready by 36 weeks. If you're having twins or have been advised your pregnancy is higher risk, aim for 32 to 34 weeks.

How many maternity pads do I need?
Pack at least ten for your hospital stay — you'll bleed heavily immediately after birth and will get through more than you expect. Stock up further at home before you go in.

Do I need to bring nappies to hospital?
Most NHS hospitals provide nappies and basic toiletries for newborns during your stay. It's worth checking with your specific birth unit, but you usually don't need to bring your own.

What's the most important thing to pack?
Your maternity notes and your birth plan. Everything else is replaceable — those documents aren't, and you'll need them immediately on arrival.

Jay Godbold