FAQ | Dina Hart Birth Services
Clear, practical answers about doula support, hypnobirthing and postnatal care across Brighton and East Sussex.
Frequently asked questions
If you’re unsure what kind of support would fit your situation, you’re welcome to send a message — I’ll reply with honest guidance.
What does a birth doula do — and what don’t you do?
A birth doula provides continuous, non-medical support during pregnancy, labour and birth. That can include practical comfort measures (movement, positions, breathing, massage), emotional reassurance, and help you think through options so you can make informed choices.
I don’t provide clinical care, diagnose, or replace your midwife/doctor — I work alongside your care team and support you.
Do you support hospital births as well as home births?
Yes. I support births in all settings — home birth, hospital, and birth centre — including water birth and VBAC.
Wherever you plan to birth, my focus is helping you feel prepared and capable, and supporting calm communication and informed choice.
What areas do you cover around Brighton and East Sussex?
I support families across Brighton, Hove, Lewes, Worthing, Shoreham and the wider East Sussex area.
If you’re slightly outside these areas, get in touch — I’ll let you know what’s realistic based on distance and on-call logistics.
How does on-call availability work for birth doula support?
For birth doula support, I’m typically on call around your due date window so you can contact me when labour begins. We’ll agree the on-call period in advance, and you’ll have clear guidance on when to message or call.
During our antenatal time together, we’ll also talk through early labour support and how to keep things calm and steady at home before you head in (if you’re planning a hospital or birth centre birth).
Can you help if I’m anxious about birth or have had a difficult previous experience?
Yes. Many families come to me feeling worried, especially after a previous difficult or medicalised birth. My approach is practical, evidence-based and trauma-informed.
We’ll take things at your pace, focus on coping tools that feel doable, and make a plan that supports your preferences while staying flexible — because birth can change, and you can still feel in control.
What’s included in your hypnobirthing course?
My private hypnobirthing course is one-to-one and tailored to you. It covers the physiology of birth, how your environment and mindset can affect labour, and practical techniques such as breathing, relaxation, and comfort measures.
It’s designed to help you feel more confident and prepared, whatever your birth setting — and it works beautifully alongside doula support if you’d like both.
Ready to talk it through?
If you’re planning a home birth, hospital birth, birth centre birth, VBAC, or you’d like calm postnatal support, I’d love to hear what you’re hoping for. I’ll be honest about availability and help you work out the best next step.
Service area: Brighton, Hove, Lewes, Worthing, Shoreham, East Sussex.