List of Agencies to Hire a Doula in Ireland

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the top doula agencies in Ireland! As a birthing family, you deserve the best support and care during this transformative time in your life. That’s why we’ve put together this well-researched list of reputable doula agencies that offer services in birth, postpartum, and beyond.

Our goal is to make your journey towards parenthood a little smoother by connecting you with experienced professionals who are passionate about providing personalized care, emotional support, and evidence-based information. So, sit back, relax, and explore our recommendations to find the perfect doula match for your unique needs and preferences.

hire a doula in ireland

1. DoulaCare Ireland

Scope of Support:

  • Wexford, Ireland
  • County Laois
  • County Meath
  • County Mayo
  • County Kildare
  • County Clare
  • County Wicklow
  • Cork, Ireland
  • Dublin, Ireland
  • County Waterford

Email: info@doulacare.ie
Website: https://doulacare.ie/

Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter |  LinkedIn

Services Offered:

  • Birth Doula – Price: from 1000 EUR
  • Postpartum Doula – Price: from 30 EUR / hour
  • Virtual Support
  • GentleBirth Class – Price: 215.25 EUR
  • Antenatal Class – Price: from 175 EUR
  • VBAC Class – Price: 90 EUR
  • Creating Birth Preferences – Price: from 70 EUR
  • Comfort Measures for Labor and Birth  – Price: from 70 EUR
  • Preparing for Multiples – Price: from 80 EUR
  • Preparing for Baby – Price: from 70 EUR
  • Breastfeeding Preparation – Price: from 80 EUR
  • Wellness Workshop

How to Register: From the homepage, select the type of support you like, whether “Birth” or “Postpartum”. Go over the details of the support the company offers, and click “More Information” to fill out a form and request to be contacted.

Notes: Irish Lifehealth Policy may be applicable.

2. Doula Association of Ireland (DAI)

Nonprofit Organization
Scope of Support:

  • Carlow
  • Cavan
  • Clare
  • Cork
  • Donegal
  • Dublin
  • Dublin City
  • Galway
  • Kerry
  • Kildare
  • Kilkenny
  • Laois
  • Leitrim
  • Limerick
  • Longford
  • Louth
  • Mayo
  • Meath
  • Monaghan
  • Offaly
  • Roscommon
  • Sligo
  • Tipperary
  • Waterford
  • Westmeath
  • Wexford
  • Wicklow

Email: info@doula.ie
Website: https://doula.ie/hiring-a-doula/

Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Services Offered (depends on the doula you choose):

  • Birth Doula
  • Postpartum Doula

*Certain doulas have additional skills such as:

How to Register:
1. From the site given, select the area where you would like to receive doula support.
2. All the doulas servicing in the area and their specialties will be visible, along with their contact information.
3. Read about your potential doulas to get to know them.
4. You may contact the doula directly for consultation or interview.

Notes:

  • Depending on the doula, some offer free consultation.
  • If you are unsure whether a doula serves your location, feel free to reach out and ask. Doulas often travel significant distances to support their clients, particularly in rural areas.

3. Birth Support

Website: https://www.birthsupport.ie/doula-ireland

Social Media:
Facebook

Services Offered:

  • Birth Doula
  • Postpartum Doula – Price: 20 EUR / hour, minimum 3 hours ; Overnight Price: 30 EUR / hour, minimum 6 hours
  • Antepartum Support

Antenatal Support:

  • GentleBirth Workshops – Price: 250 EUR / couple
  • VBAC – Price: 95 EUR / couple
  • Cesarean Preparation – Price: 95 EUR private session

Birth Trauma Support:

  • Birth Debrief (In-person or via Zoom) – Price: 60 EUR / 1.15 hours
  • Birth Trauma Resolution (In-person or via Zoom) – Price: 60 EUR / 1.15 hours
  • Birth Trauma Support Group

How to Register:
1. From the site given above, select the type of service you like, example “Birth Doula”.
2. Click on “Book Now“.

4. Dublin Doula Services

Email: drkrysia@gmail.com
Website: https://dublindoula.com/doula/

Services Offered:

  • Birth Postnatal Doula  – Price: 175 EUR / 2 hour visit ; Postpartum Doula Package – Price: 1250 EUR
  • Antenatal Doula
  • Placenta Encapsulation – Price: 225 EUR
  • Lactation Services – Price: 175 EUR / visit ; 325 EUR / 2 visits ; 475 EUR / 3 visits
  • Homeopathy – Price: from 60 EUR
  • Online Prenatal Yoga Classes  – Price: 90 EUR (live or pre recorded)

Birth Doula Packages:

First Time Parents:

  • Standard Birth Doula Package for First Time Parents – Price: 2200 EUR
  • Deluxe Birth Doula Package for First Time Parents – Price: 2800 EUR

Parents Birthing Again:

  • Basic Birth Doula Package for Parents Birthing Again – Price: 1750 EUR
  • Standard Birth Doula Package (P) for Parents Birthing Again – Price: 2200 EUR
  • Deluxe Birth Doula Package for Parents Birthing Again – Price: 2800 EUR

VBAC:

  • Standard VBAC Birth Doula Package – Price: 2200 EUR
  • Deluxe VBAC Birth Doula Package – Price: 2800 EUR

Planned C-Section Birth Support – Price: 2200 EUR

How to Register: Fill out the form at https://dublindoula.com/contact/

5. Doula in Ireland

Scope of Support (depends on the doula you choose):

  • Dublin
  • Connacht
  • Greater Dublin
  • Leinster
  • Munster
  • Ulster

Email: irishdouladirectory@gmail.com
Website: http://irishdouladirectory.com/

Services Offered (varies per doula):

  • Birth Doula
  • Postpartum Doula
  • Prenatal Classes
  • Birth Services
  • Baby Massage
  • Placenta Encapsulation
  • Yoga Teacher
  • Homeopathy

How to Register:
1. From the site given, on the top menu bar, select the area where you would like to receive doula support.
2. All the doulas servicing in the area and their specialties will be visible, along with their contact information.
3. You may contact the doula directly for consultation or interview.

Notes:

  • Each area you select will identify the different hospitals doulas cover in that specific area, including the option for home birthing.
  • The site will also identify whether doulas are automatically admitted in the delivery room or whether you need to write a letter to the Director of Midwifery in advance.
  • Read the instructions thoroughly before selecting a doula.
  • Always verify with the potential doula if they can service your chosen hospital and if they can be present with you in the delivery room.

6. Wellmama Ireland

Non-profit Organization
Email: doulas@wellmama.ie
Website: https://wellmama.ie/

Services Offered:

  • Antenatal Doula – Class Price: 50 EUR / session (70-90 minutes)
  • Birth Doula
  • Postpartum Doula – Price: 35 EUR / hour, minimum 3 hours for 1 session ; 285 EUR / 3 sessions
  • Hypnobirthing  – Price: 300 EUR / couple
  • Birth Story Healing – Price: 110 EUR
  • Baby Bonding and Massage Class  – Price: 40 EUR
  • Confident Birthing Workshop – Price: 80 EUR
  • Confident Birth Partners  – Price: 45 EUR via Zoom
  • Confident Postpartum  – Price: 90 EUR / couple

Birth Doula Packages:

  • Lavender Birth Package – Price: 900 EUR
  • Marigold Birth Package – Price: 1150 EUR
  • Sage Birth Package – Price: 1600 EUR
  • Birth Partner Package – Price: 1150 EUR

How to Register: To view the different doulas, their individual specialties, and contact information, visit https://wellmama.ie/contact-us/

Notes: Free 30 minute phone call or meet up for those interested in one-on-one doula support.

7. Doula to You

Postnatal Doula Support
Address: Kilcoole, Co.Wicklow
Scope of Support: Wicklow, Arklow, Greystones, Bray, Dun Laoghaire, Dundrum & more
Phone Number: +(353) 85.167.1598
Email: info@doulatoyou.ie
Website: https://doulatoyou.ie/

Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram

Services Offered:

  • Postpartum Doula – Price: from 35 EUR / hour
  • Group Antenatal Class – Price: 180 EUR
  • Prepare for you Fourth Trimester Workshop – Price: 60 EUR
  • Fourth Trimester In Home Session – Price: 100 EUR / 2 hours
  • New Mama Massage – Price: 40 EUR / 30 minutes

Postnatal Packages:

  • 1 day: 4 hours – Price: 140 EUR
  • 1 week: 4 hours per day for 5 days – Price: 700 EUR
  • 2 weeks: 4 hours per day 3 days a week – Price: 840 EUR
  • 4 weeks: 3 hours per day 5 days a week – Price: 1800 EUR
  • 8 weeks: 3 hours per day 3 days a week – Price: 2160 EUR
  • Witching Hour: 3 hours in the evening – Price: 105 EUR
  • Overnight: 10 hours (9PM to 7AM) – Price: 350 EUR

How to Register: Fill out the form at https://doulatoyou.ie/contact/

Notes: Free Consultation

8. Doulas of Northern Ireland

Email: doulasni@gmail.com
Website: https://www.doulasni.co.uk/

Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram

Services Offered:

  • Birth Doula
  • Postnatal Doula
  • Hypnobirthing – Price: 200 GBP / 1 on 1 sessions ; 149 GBP / group sessions ; 50 GBP / 2 hour refresher session
  • Yoga and Wellbeing
  • Equipment Hire: TENs Machine, CUB inflatable birth stools, Peanut Ball, Birth Sling
  • Birthing Pool Hire (La Bassine or Birth In a Box) and everything you need for water birth – Price: 140 GBP
  • Birthing Pool Hire (MiaVia) and comfort pack, including everything you need for the pool, birth seat and kneeling pad – Price: 165 GBP

Birth Packages:

  • Harmony – Price: 900 GBP
  • Rainbow – Price: 895 GBP
  • Sunshine – Price: 400 GBP
  • Amber – Price: 600 GBP

How to Register: For general inquiry, fill out the form at https://www.doulasni.co.uk/contact-us

Notes:
1. From the given site, review the profiles of each doula and the specific support they offer.
2. Contact the specific doula directly if you want to arrange a meeting.

9. MotherDoula

*Northern Ireland Doula 

Independent Doula, Hypnobirthing Educator
Address: Bridle Lane, Maze BT27 5RP
Phone Number: +44 791.448.7297
Email: anne@motherdoula.com
Website: https://motherdoula.com/

Services Offered:

  • Birth Doula
  • Postnatal Doula
  • Prenatal Classes

How to Register: Contact via email.

Notes:

  • Free initial consultation.
  • Installment on payment available.

Cost of Hiring a Doula in Ireland

This section aims to provide insights into the factors affecting doula fees, which will help you to make an informed decision when hiring a doula.

Average cost: The average cost of hiring a doula in Ireland ranges from €600 to €1500, depending on factors such as location, experience, and the specific services offered. Prices may be higher in urban areas and for doulas with specialized training or additional certifications.

Initial Consultation: Most doulas offer a free initial consultation, which allows both parties to get acquainted and determine if they are a good fit. During this meeting, the doula will discuss their services, fees, and answer any questions you may have about the process.

Prenatal Visits: Typically, a doula’s fee includes 2-4 prenatal visits. These appointments allow the doula to better understand your birth preferences, provide education on various childbirth topics, and help you prepare for labor and delivery. Prenatal visits are essential in establishing trust and rapport between the doula and the birthing family.

Labor and Delivery: A doula’s services during labor and delivery include continuous physical and emotional support, assistance with comfort measures, and advocating for the birthing person’s preferences. Doulas usually stay with the birthing person throughout the entire labor, from the early stages until a few hours after the baby is born.

During your doula interview, be sure to inquire about what options are available if your selected doula is not available during your labor, such as providing a back-up doula.

Postpartum Support: Postpartum support may be included in the doula’s fee or offered as a separate service at an additional cost. This support often includes assistance with newborn care, breastfeeding, emotional support, and light household tasks. Postpartum doulas play a crucial role in helping new parents adjust to their new roles and responsibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will a doula take over my partner?

A doula’s role is to complement and enhance the support provided by your partner, not to replace them. Doulas work alongside partners to help them feel more confident and equipped in their role during labor and birth. They can offer guidance, suggestions, and reassurance, ensuring that both you and your partner have a positive and supported birth experience.

2. How much does it cost to hire a doula in Ireland?

The cost of hiring a doula in Ireland can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and services offered. On average, you can expect to pay between €600 – €1200 for a birth doula’s services, which typically includes prenatal visits, labor and delivery support, and one postpartum visit.

3. Is the initial consultation with a doula free?

Many doulas offer a free initial consultation to discuss your needs, expectations, and answer any questions you may have before deciding to hire them. This meeting allows both parties to determine if they are a good fit for each other.

4. How many prenatal visits are included in a doula’s fee?

The number of prenatal visits included in a doula’s fee can vary, but most doulas offer at least two prenatal visits. These visits are essential for building rapport, discussing birth preferences, addressing concerns, and preparing for the upcoming birth.

5. What services are included in the labor and delivery support fee?

Labor and delivery support usually includes continuous emotional and physical support throughout labor, assistance with comfort measures, advocating for the birthing person’s preferences, and providing information about the birth process. A doula is typically present from the onset of active labor until a few hours after the baby is born.

6. Can I hire a doula for postpartum support only?

Yes, you can hire a postpartum doula who specializes in providing support during the postpartum period. Their services may include emotional support, assistance with newborn care, breastfeeding support, light housekeeping, and meal preparation. Some postpartum doulas also offer night support so you and your family can get your much needed rest.

7. Will my insurance cover the cost of hiring a doula?

Insurance coverage for doula services varies greatly depending on your provider and plan. It’s best to check with your insurance company to determine if doula services are covered or if there are any reimbursement options available.

8. Can a doula deliver a baby?

A doula is not a medical professional and does not have the qualifications or training to deliver a baby. Their role is to provide emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. The actual delivery of the baby is typically handled by a healthcare professional such as a midwife or an obstetrician.

9. What are the benefits of hiring a doula?

Hiring a doula offers numerous benefits, including continuous emotional and physical support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, which can lead to a more positive birth experience. Doulas provide evidence-based information and help advocate for your preferences.

Studies have shown that having a doula present can result in shorter labor, reduced need for medical interventions, lower rates of cesarean births, and increased satisfaction with the overall birth experience. Additionally, doulas can offer invaluable support with breastfeeding and newborn care during the postpartum period.

10. How do I find a doula near me?

To find a doula near you in Ireland, start by searching online directories and professional organizations, such as the Irish Doula Directory or the Doula Association of Ireland. You can also ask for recommendations from friends, family members, or your healthcare provider. Social media groups focused on pregnancy and childbirth in your local area may also provide suggestions and help you connect with experienced doulas nearby.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a doula can be an invaluable asset during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. They provide physical and emotional support along with evidence-based information to help you make informed decisions about your birth experience. Before hiring a doula, consider asking the right interview questions and do some research to ensure they are the right fit for you. With the right doula by your side, you can have a positive and empowering birth experience.

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