“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical to use it.”
— Dr John Kennell
BIRTH DOULA
about doulas
Since the beginning of time, a pregnant person would be supported by other's (usually women) around them. The community would come together to give practical hands on help and emotional support. For many reasons, this 'village' is not present today.
Think of me as part of your village.
Having someone who is not emotionally involved helps provide a safe space to be heard, held (physically and emotionally) and in providing that, enables a person whether pregnant, in labour or navigating early parenthood to make decisions that are right for them and their baby.
i am currently on maternity leave
I will be returning to work in the Autumn of 2024. If you would like to discuss having support from me from September 2024 onwards, please complete the form below to express your interest and I will be in touch with you.
birth doula
3 antenatal birth preparation sessions
Ongoing support whenever you have a question or would like to talk
Attending appointments with you or visiting you for extra sessions if required
On call everyday 24/7 from 10 days before your estimated due date
Staying with you throughout labour & for a few hours afterwards until you are settled and comfortable
Two postnatal visits at home to reflect on your birth, give practical help and provide information (4 hours)
TAILORED PACKAGE
plus
Private Hypnobirthing Course (2 extra sessions) or Group Course
Hypnobirthing resources, 5 preparation and labour tracks & Hypnobirthing book
Postnatal Recovery Massage to support your physical and emotional healing and rebalancing
birth and beyond tailored package
plus
Additional 12 hours of postnatal support to be used within three months after the birth
For my fees, please drop me a message using the form at the bottom of this page.
ABOUT EACH STAGE OF MY SUPPORT
Birth preparation sessions
All packages include a minimum of three antenatal preparation sessions (6 hours). The focus of the birth preparation sessions are for us to get to know each other and for you to clarify your hopes and wishes. You will be given balanced, evidence based information so that you can make informed decisions. Each session will be tailored for you, but as a guideline, we will cover the following:
Birth physiology – the labouring body and how to create an optimal environment for you, your baby, and essential birth hormones
Discussing your hopes and your fears - addressing each one to help ease anxieties
How you might expect to feel during labour and suggestions for managing each stage, including tools for birth partners
Pain management – exploring all of your options for pharmaceutical and holistic support such as using essential oils and acupressure
Your birth preferences - clarify your wishes and help you to complete your birth plan / preferences to accompany your medical notes
Ways to reduce adrenaline, stress and to ease concerns
Discuss any specific topics relevant to you and your personal situation
Information on feeding, baby care essentials and how to emotionally prepare for your postnatal journey
On call for you
I will be on call 24/7 from 10 days before your estimated due date. Sometimes I begin earlier than this, if an earlier birth is expected. Day or night, I will be ready to attend your birth throughout this time and available for you contact me if you have any questions, or need a reassuring ear.
During labour
I will support you with comfort measures, including your breathing, position and massage and bring a calm, intuitive presence and a positive energy to the birth room. The role of a doula is not to replace your partner or birth companion, but to support them to support you, offering guidance, balanced information and practical help. I 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 until you to feel settled, have had something to eat, had a shower perhaps and are comfortable feeding your baby. I can answer any immediate questions and give you a boost of confidence as you head it to your first day and night with your little one.
POSTNATAL VISITS
My first visit is usually within a few days after the birth. If you plan to breastfeed, it is especially helpful to visit or at least be in touch with with you soon after the birth to help get breastfeeding off to a good start. During the first visit we tend to talk about the birth; debriefing is a really important and helpful process. I am there to help with feeding and can signpost additional support if needed. The second visits tends to be around a week or so later and will often involve more reflection on how the parenting journey is going so far as well as answering baby care related questions. I can also offer some practical support which might involve sorting laundry or holding your baby whilst you do something for yourself.
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.
