What Is Shared Care Doula Support?
...And Why It Might Be the Best Fit for Your Birth or Postnatal Journey in Bristol & North Somerset
If you're pregnant and exploring your options for birth or postnatal support in Bristol or North Somerset, you might come across something called shared care doula support. But what does that actually mean — and how could it benefit your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience?
Shared Care: Two Doulas, One Solid Circle of Support
Shared care doulas are two (or more) doulas who work as a team to provide continuous, seamless support during your pregnancy, birth, and/or postnatal period.
At New Birth Club, our shared care model means that when you choose us, you're choosing double the experience, double the wisdom, and double the support — all wrapped into one warm, personalised package.
We bring our individual experiences, styles, and strengths into a shared ethos that centres around you — your values, your choices, your journey.
But Don’t All Doulas Have a Backup?
Yes — every doula will usually have a backup in case of illness, emergency, or overlapping births. But with a solo doula, that backup may be someone you’ve never met until labour begins.
With shared care doulas, you’ll know both doulas personally. You’ll build relationships with both of us during pregnancy, attend antenatal sessions together, and have ongoing contact so that when the big day comes, you’ll 100% recognise and feel comfortable with the doula walking into your birth space.
It’s about trust, continuity, and true familiarity — not just availability.
Why Families Love Shared Care in Bristol & North Somerset
We know birth support isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why more and more families in Bristol, Weston-super-Mare, Cheddar, and surrounding North Somerset villages are choosing shared care.
Here’s why:
Reliable continuity: You know exactly who’s coming to your birth. No surprises.
More flexibility: One of us can be available even if the other is with another family or has childcare needs.
Double insight: You benefit from the perspectives and combined training of two experienced doulas.
Better boundaries = better care: Shared care helps us show up rested and present, which means better support for you.
Stronger postnatal wraparound: Between us, you’ll always have someone to talk to — whether you’re navigating feeding, sleep, or emotional recovery.
Who Is Shared Care For?
Anyone can benefit from this model — whether you're planning a home birth in Somerset, a hospital birth at St Michael’s, or you're booked under a consultant-led team at Southmead or Weston General.
Shared care is especially supportive for:
First-time parents wanting robust support and prep
Families planning a VBAC or navigating previous birth trauma
Those with complex or high-risk pregnancies
Anyone craving emotional continuity in a fragmented maternity system
What Working With Shared Care Doulas Looks Like
Here’s how it typically works:
You meet both of us during your free initial consultation.
Antenatal visits are done together, so we all get familiar.
We stay in regular contact by message, call, or email.
When labour starts, whoever is on-call comes to support you — and you already know them.
Postnatally, we take turns supporting your recovery and early parenting weeks.
Ready to Meet Your Shared Care Doulas?
If you’re looking for a doula in Bristol or North Somerset, shared care might be the best of both worlds.
At New Birth Club, we’re proud to offer shared care birth and postnatal doula support rooted in empathy, education, and empowerment.
Reach out today for a free consultation — we’d love to meet you.