Birth doula and postnatal doula and breastfeeding counsellor based in Godalming, Surrey
My name is Zara and I’m a doula based in Godalming, Surrey. I am very experienced in offering personalised and nurturing support during the childbirth year. I birthed Doulabud, in 2010. I absolutely love what I do, which is to offer support to people on their very personal journeys through pregnancy, birth and the early days and weeks which are often known as the ‘fourth trimester’. Read on to find out more about me, my approach and how a doula can help you find your feet.
My birth doula and postnatal doula services support people so they can find their own way through the mass of information and choices that they are faced with as they go through pregnancy, labour and into the days and weeks following a baby’s birth.
Zara xx
Doula services in Surrey
Birth doula in Surrey
I’m a birth doula in Surrey and offer a pregnant person and their family, support before and during the birth. I wholeheartedly believe that every person has the right to give birth exactly as they choose in an environment that promotes a calm and unhurried atmosphere. So whatever your plan for birth, I can support you.
Postnatal doula in Surrey
I offer postnatal doula services across Surrey. A postnatal doula helps to care for, protect and support the family as a whole. We place the mother as the focus and ensure she is well looked after and can talk to her doula about anything on her mind: this is nurturing of the parent.
About Zara
I’m Zara, a very experienced birth doula and postnatal doula, recognised by Doula UK, and based in Godalming, Surrey. I wholeheartedly love what I do!
The doula is a relatively unknown concept but the role is as ancient as the hills. Women supporting women is the foundation of empowering birth. Here in the West we’re now realising the incredible benefits of gathering a community of help around new parents.
Many people embarking on parenthood may not live close to family and friends and may not share their lives with them in an intimate way. As a result, new parents might have no immediate network to fall back on. A doula can provide extra support over and above any friends and family, and to enhance any private or NHS-led medical care involved with a new baby. Read more about me and why I doula!
doulabud’s kind words
“I couldn’t think of anyone else who I would of rather of had by my side, during those early days.”
— Kate and Donald, Brixton
“In short…Zara is Wonderwoman. Hiring her to become part of our family after the birth of my daughter was one of the best decisions I made pre-birth.”
— Katherine and Chris, Godalming
“I honestly can’t speak highly enough about Zara de Candole and what a difference she’s made.”
— Charlie and Cameron, Tooting
“Zara’s positive and abundant energy is infectious, and I’m convinced she can make any woman believe anything is possible.”
— Katherine and Chris, Godalming
What is a doula in the UK?
A doula, pronounced “doo la”, is also known as a birth companion and originates from the Ancient Greek word to mean female servant or slave.
Generally a female, she is a non-medical person who assists a woman before, during, or after childbirth, as well as her partner and/or family by providing information, physical and emotional support. They provide continuous support during labour and when combined with the help provided from nurses, family, friends and doctors, is associated with improved maternal and fetal health and a variety of other benefits.
doulabud FAQs
I’ve contacted you, what happens next?
I respond to emails and messages promptly and generally suggest we have a phone chat and then arrange a meeting. You also have the option to book a thirty minute clarity call with me directly from the website at a time to suit you. An initial get together can be at your home or somewhere else. Since the pandemic, most of my bookings are made after a virtual meeting via Zoom or Facetime.
When should I book a doula?
I generally take bookings for birth and postnatal work well in advance because building a relationship is so important to both me and expectant parents. Some clients decide on a doula very last minute and book literally weeks, sometimes days, before they are due. If I’m available we can arrange to meet and if not then I’m very happy to recommend alternative doulas.
How can I benefit from a doula?
The calming presence and unwavering support of a doula offers huge benefits in the antenatal period and during labour because the people around you have a significant impact on how you feel at what is an empowering yet vulnerable time. Similarly, the postnatal period is a time of huge transition and adjustment. We become an important and trusted figure in the childbirth year! A doula cannot guarantee there won’t be twists and turns, but a combination of being well prepared and having a trusted and constant companion cannot be underestimated. I team up with your partner if you have one but do not replace them or the Midwife and do not perform any clinical duties.
Who can access your support?
I offer my support as a doula to anyone, as long as we make a connection that leads to a positive, fruitful relationship, regardless of circumstances, gender, race or religion. My support is totally unbiased! Can I do better? Let me know if you see something that I need to reflect on.
Do you have references?
I’m very happy to put you in touch with past clients either by email or phone. Please just ask.
Do Doulas support Dads/Partners?
Dads and partners can benefit immensely from the nurturing and practical support of a doula. My goal is to help them to step into their role as a new parent with greater confidence and ability to support the birthing person. She/they can then be safe in the knowledge that the new baby is in equally good hands with either parent. As a doula, I’ll always stand back and respect a couple and their privacy. Having a doula doesn’t mean you’ll have a ‘gooseberry’ hanging around. I believe I’m good at reading people and situations and sometimes just being present in the wings is enough, and at other times my support is very hands on. This interesting article explains how the support from a doula can be so important and freeing for the parent-to-be.
Where are you based and which areas do you cover?
I live near Godalming in Surrey and cover my locality and anywhere that I can get to comfortably within 45 minutes. I am happy to discuss location so do email or call me.
Do you take a deposit?
Yes, I do. The deposit secures your booking. I generally take half of the full fee as a deposit and the balance closer to birth or once baby is born, for postnatal support. Payment plans are also available to suit you.
Do you provide an agreement?
Yes, there is one for birth support and one for postnatal support. They are not legal documents but simply outline the terms of my services and our commitment to one another.
Do you have a back-up in event of an emergency?
I work closely with a number of wonderful and trusted doulas. Where possible I’ll always ensure that one of them is free to back me up. This is always part of a discussion.
Contact doulabud
I hope the information on my website will have answered as many of your initial questions as possible. You can contact me by phone, email and the contact form below. I really look forward to chatting with you soon.
Godalming, Surrey