BIRTH DOULA
"If a woman doesn't look like a goddess during labour, then someone isn't treating her right" - Ina May Gaskin
"If a woman doesn't look like a goddess during labour, then someone isn't treating her right" - Ina May Gaskin
As your doula, I will provide continuity of care with with emotional, physical and informational support to help you feel prepared for the birth of your baby and tools to stay calm during labour. If you have a partner or other birth companion I help them feel confident to be able to bring comfort to you in the way you need them to, achieving your best birth team for a positive birth.
There is growing evidence that having a doula brings a number of tangible benefits, from reducing intervention rates, shortening labour to increasing satisfaction for parents. While this research is important, it's also the less tangible benefits of having a non-judgemental companion during a life-altering event that most women remember and value.
There is growing evidence that having a doula brings a number of tangible benefits, from reducing intervention rates, shortening labour to increasing satisfaction for parents. While this research is important, it's also the less tangible benefits of having a non-judgemental companion during a life-altering event that most women remember and value.
MY CARE PACKAGE
- Two birth preparation sessions
- Ongoing support whenever you have a question or would simply like to talk and share how you feel
- On call 24/7 from 38 weeks of your pregnancy
- Be with you throughout labour
- Stay with you after the birth until you are comfortable
- Two postnatal visit at home to reflect on your birth, give practical help and information
Birth preparation sessions
The focus of my birth preparation sessions are for us to get to know each other and for you to clarify your hopes and wishes. I will provide you with information and evidence based research so that you can make informed choices. Each session will be tailored for you, but as a guideline, I will cover the following:
The focus of my birth preparation sessions are for us to get to know each other and for you to clarify your hopes and wishes. I will provide you with information and evidence based research so that you can make informed choices. Each session will be tailored for you, but as a guideline, I will cover the following:
- Your birth preferences - clarify your wishes and help you to complete a care plan
- Birth physiology – the labouring body and how to create a good environment for birth hormones to work in tune with your body
- How you might expect to feel during labour and suggestions for managing each stage
- Pain management – options for pharmaceutical pain relief
- Natural and holistic comfort measures, including water, massage, breathing techniques & hypnobirthing practices
- Discuss any specific topics you would like to know more about
- Information on feeding
- Guiding you on what to pack in your hospital bag and other practical ideas
- Postnatal care plan - what you might like to consider to prepare for this life changing, but wonderful time as a new family
Four week on call period (38-42 weeks) and attending the birth
I will be ready to attend your birth throughout this time and will be available for you to call me if you have any questions, or need a reassuring ear and of course when in labour.
During labour
I can support you with comfort measures, including your breathing, position and massage. I will bring a calm, intuitive presence and a positive energy. My role is not to replace your partner or birth companion, but to support them to support you, offering guidance and be an impartial beacon of hope. I will protect and hold the birth space, ensuring you understand your options and can communicate with healthcare professionals, as per your wishes. I fully recognise and value the role of midwives and work alongside them, building rapport to create a positive, fully supported birth environment.
Once you have had your baby
I will stay with you to help you to feel settled, comfortable, take a shower and can support you with feeding your baby. I will then visit you again within the first two weeks, to hear your feelings about the the birth, give practical tips and can signpost support groups.
What to know more?
I offer a free consultation so that we can get to know each other and talk about how best I can support you. Please call or email me. or use the enquiry form below. I look forward to hearing from you.
Doula UK Approved
I am delighted to be a registered mentored doula with Doula UK, the leading organisation for doulas in the UK. Their aim is to promote the role of doulas, to improve communication between doulas, and to advance our understanding of birth and the postnatal period. Doula UK has a mentoring and recognition process to support members as they gain experience and ensures a high standard is met. You can find out more about the reasons to book a Doula UK doula on their website.
I will be ready to attend your birth throughout this time and will be available for you to call me if you have any questions, or need a reassuring ear and of course when in labour.
During labour
I can support you with comfort measures, including your breathing, position and massage. I will bring a calm, intuitive presence and a positive energy. My role is not to replace your partner or birth companion, but to support them to support you, offering guidance and be an impartial beacon of hope. I will protect and hold the birth space, ensuring you understand your options and can communicate with healthcare professionals, as per your wishes. I fully recognise and value the role of midwives and work alongside them, building rapport to create a positive, fully supported birth environment.
Once you have had your baby
I will stay with you to help you to feel settled, comfortable, take a shower and can support you with feeding your baby. I will then visit you again within the first two weeks, to hear your feelings about the the birth, give practical tips and can signpost support groups.
What to know more?
I offer a free consultation so that we can get to know each other and talk about how best I can support you. Please call or email me. or use the enquiry form below. I look forward to hearing from you.
Doula UK Approved
I am delighted to be a registered mentored doula with Doula UK, the leading organisation for doulas in the UK. Their aim is to promote the role of doulas, to improve communication between doulas, and to advance our understanding of birth and the postnatal period. Doula UK has a mentoring and recognition process to support members as they gain experience and ensures a high standard is met. You can find out more about the reasons to book a Doula UK doula on their website.
"If I don't know my options, I don't have any" - Diana Korte