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Doula: Holistic Pregnancy and Birth Support
What is a Doula?
A Doula accompanies the woman through the journey to motherhood, meeting several times beforehand and staying with her throughout the birth.
She helps the mother to decide for herself what kind of birth she wants, offering information and research-based evidence, and is there to support those decisions.
Early on in your pregnancy, it can be hard to imagine what birth will be like. There is a transition between your pre-pregnancy self and the newly pregnant you.
What does a Doula do?
A Doula is there to offer unconditional support. She will listen to your concerns, help you to make decisions which are truly your own, and stay with you through the whole birth.
Why have a Doula?
Having a baby is a unique and life-changing experience. It can feel overwhelming at times, and partners, friends and family will all tend to have their own opinions. A Doula has no agenda of her own, and is simply there to support you, and stay with you.
Who is a Doula for?
Any pregnant and birthing woman!
Women who might especially benefit:
First-time mums
Women seeking a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean)
young mums
older mums
women described as having a "high-risk" pregnancy
a woman who didn't get the birth she wanted previously
women wanting a home-birth
women wanting to feel supported during a hospital birth
single mums
women pregnant with twins
women with a breech baby
women with disabilities
LGBT families
But
I'm having a hospital birth
A Doula can still be there for you.
I don't want someone intrusive
A Doula is there to be a peaceful presence
I have a disability
I have a good basic knowledge of sign, & have done disability awareness training, as well as having disabled friends
I've already had a child
You don't have to be a first time mum to be nervous - or to take steps to get the birth you want.
I've been told I'm "high-risk"
A Doula is perfect to help keep you confident and positive
Holistic Therapies & Your Pregnancy
As a qualified and experienced Holistic Therapist, I can offer a range of therapies to pamper, relax and help ease the common discomforts of pregnancy and post-birth. This includes Reflexology, Hot Stone Fusion Massage, Aromatherapy and Indian Head Massage.
What about Dad?
It can be a challenging time to be a dad or partner. It can be stressful to see your partner in pain and unable to do much about it - Dads can feel left out. A Doula is not there to come between partners, but to support the experience of birth. Doula's can be very helpful for dads to talk to as well.
Adoption Doula
Adoption is a long and stressful process. There are many adjustments to be made when you welcome a new child into your family, particularly when they are a baby. Often, the adoptive family will only have a few weeks notice, and there is so much to do.
In the rush to deal with the practicalities, the gentle process of bonding can be hard to do. An adoption Doula can help to deal with these stresses to give you time to bond peacefully with your new child.
Post-Natal Doula
The first few weeks after the birth, especially after your partner goes back to work, can be a difficult time. There are a lot of things to look after - normal household chores, as well as the jobs that go with a new baby - not to mention trying to get a bit of "me time"!
A postnatal Doula is there to help you through that transition period, to help you find your feet and support you.
A postnatal Doula isn't there to do everything for you - they aren't nannies, cleaners or maternity nurses - but to support you in finding the right path for you, and helping to take some of the work off of your hands to give you some valuable bonding - or nap time!
What does a postnatal Doula do?
This might include:
Holding the fort while you have a nap or bath
Being a listening ear
Light housework
Preparing lunch
Helping look after visitors
Breastfeeding support
Post-natal food pack
I offer a complementary food parcel, packed with easy-to-eat and nutritious foods, to all postnatal clients who book a minimum of 18 hours (a small charge for second packs, or less time).
Perfect for that time when it is so important, yet so hard to get plenty of healthy foods.
This is tailored to your preferences, and could include:
Porridge
Banana bread
Homemade pasta sauce
Jacket potato fillings
Flapjacks
How much does a Doula cost?
Normally, a Birth Doula costs around £500, and a Postnatal Doula is around £18 an hour.
However, as I am currently working as a trainee, I can offer a special rate, of no more than £150 plus expenses for Birth, and £10 per hour for Postnatal work.
Please speak to me for current fees.
How does it work?
First, there is an initial meeting to establish suitability, followed by 2 prenatal appointments, and my full availability for 4 weeks around your due date, attendance at the whole birth, and 1 postnatal appointment.
A Postnatal Doula will normally have an initial meeting, then a deposit is made to secure my services. Bookings are generally made in advance, although short-notice availability may be possible.
What is a Trainee Doula?
This means that I am fully trained, but am not yet fully experienced.
This has the advantage to you that I am charging a special, low rate until I have worked with enough clients as a Birth Doula and as a Postnatal Doula.
I trained with Nurturing Birth and am currently working as a Trainee registered both with Nurturing Birth and
Doula UK, as a member, working towards full registration.
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