Doula
Doula
The decision to invite someone to be a part of your pregnancy, labour and birth is a big one.
My Commitment to You:
I work with you with respect and safety throughout.
I am 100% non offendable when you are in labour! I totally encourage: ‘You to do You’ – whatever that looks like, sounds like, feels like on the day.
The hormones that are present in your labour need a calm, relaxed loving environment in order to give them the best possible chance of the best possible labour and birth for you. I provide you with calm, relaxed, loving, focused attention to help your labour move along as smoothly as possible.
If we are in hospital, we create our own bubble of calm together so that the hustle and bustle of the hospital does not effect your labour.
I help your partner/dad to also offer calm, relaxed, loving focused attention on you too. This is a role most partners would love to be able to provide during labour. However, it is a big ask for partners: if the first labour they witness is one where they are expected to be a first class support in. This is where I come in helpful as I can guide them so everyone stays calm and you get the support you need. Moment by moment. Each moment is different and you might need different supports at different times. I can gently guide your loved one in those moments.
This can have a beautiful knock on effect for when the baby is born as you have both been through a life changing experience in which both of you feel as if you did it together. A labour where both of you feel loved and supported cements and deepens your relationship.
I Might Be Interested…What Next?
I you thinking of having a doula please do get in contact. I arrange to meet with mothers and their partners for a completely free consultation. In this meeting I encourage parents to ask as many questions as they can think of about how I work and who I am. This is a chance for you to have your questions answered but more importantly a time for you both to see if you feel happy and right about hiring me as your doula at the birth or your baby.
Yes We are Going to Go For It! What Are You Offering?:
Before your baby arrives we meet several times together. During the meetings we are developing a trusting relationship and getting to know eachother. On a practical note we look at:
Birth Plans
Birth Preparation
Hopes and Fears
Previous Labours and Births
Anything Lese You Need for Your Pregnancy
During Labour and Birth:
I am on call 24/7 two weeks before the baby is due and up until yor baby arrives. I am there at the labour and birth (whether at home or hospital). Due to previous meeting and my experience, I am able to support both of you, both mother and partner, in a fully personal way.
After Your Baby Has Arrived
We meet after the birth for much talk and dissection.
I am only ever a telephone call or drive away. In my experience, when your baby comes home that can be the time when having me around for continued moral, practical and emotional support is very reassuring for new mammas (and fathers too!).
Once you hire me as your doula we stop hour counting and respond to what you need: how and when you need it.
DOULA RESEARCH:
“Continuous one-to-one emotional support provided by support personnel, such as a doula, is associated with improved outcomes for women in labour.” According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which cites other benefits as: “shortened labour, less need for pain medication and fewer operative deliveries.”
