Hello readers! I’m Evony Lynch, freelance midwife and Chief Tea-Drinker at MamaCafe.Have you heard of doulas? Perhaps you know someone who had a doula. A doula is a an experienced woman who offers emotional and practical support to a woman and her partner during pregnancy, the birth and the early days and weeks with their new baby. Usually she will have undergone further training to develop her knowledge and skills and is most likely to be very passionate about supporting women and families.A doula believes in “mothering the mother” - enabling a woman to have the most satisfying and empowered time that she can during her journey into motherhood.Why have a doula? Well having a doula for the birth has been shown by research to reduce the likelihood of having a caesarean or forceps/ventouse, you’re less likely to have an epidural for the birth and more likely to feel positive about your birth experience.Doulas help you explore your choices around pregnancy and birth, support you, listen to you and are impartial. They are a constant, when you are not guaranteed to know who’ll be looking after you in labour. And they put their heart and soul in their work.Doulas will charge different rates depending on their experience and package of support. A doula can be on call for a client for several weeks, which means she is available 24/7 should that woman go into labour.There are many doulas in Cornwall, each one slightly different so find the one that’s right for you. You can find out more about doulas on the Doula UK website: www.doula.org.uk.