Let your feet do the talking

Birth Doula

I have completed a birthing and post-natal Doula course run by Valarie Goedkroop. This course is recognised by the governing body Doula UK. I am therefore trained to attend births and be available for after-care too.
However, at present I am only doing births.

What is a Birth Doula?
A Birth Doula helps a woman and her family prepare for the birth of the baby. She offers continuous emotional and physical support during labour and assistance with immediate newborn care. A Doula does not replace the woman’s partner or care provider, nor does she perform clinical tasks. She does not make decisions nor speak for her clients but helps the woman to achieve as near as possible to the birth of her choice.

What effects does the presence of a Doula have on the mother?
When a Doula is present during and after childbirth, women report greater satisfaction with their birth experience, make more positive assessments of their babies, have fewer caesareans and requests for medical intervention, and less postpartum depression. The best part of having a Doula is that you can ask all those questions that you do not feel you can ask the midwife or doctor!

What effects do the presence of Doula have on babies?
Studies have shown that babies born when a Doula is present have shorter hospital stays, fewer admissions to Special Care Nurseries, breastfeed more easily and have more affectionate mothers in the postpartum period.

Why have me as your Birth Doula?
The initial meeting will be an interview when we will discuss my role and how I can be of use and support to you and your birth partner. I would portray my philosophy and where my boundaries lie. I would also like to get an understanding of where you are with decisions about the pregnancy, labour, birth and the approximate due date of the baby. After this meeting I request that you get back to me on whether or not you want to employ me and I expect this to be within a week. This is due to the fact that I would initially block out a month around the due date and not take on anyone else during this period. If I am not required then this period can be given to someone else. This meeting is free of charge as it is a time both parties have a chance to meet and see if we are right for each other.

In our ante-natal meetings I will advise the expectant mother in making a birth plan so that options and decisions are clear and informed. This will enable everyone to have a concrete understanding of what the ideal labour and birth will be.

During these meetings I will not only discuss what I can do through my role, but also empower the birthing partner with techniques such as pressure point relaxation and massage. I will offer to give reflexology to the mother to help her relax and overcome any pregnancy ailments such as morning sickness.

My aim is to build a relationship of trust over this time, so that when I am present during the labour and birth, will be able to give the appropriate support. I am not there to overtake the role of the birthing partner but to support you all throughout the event. My aim is to ensure, as far as possible, that the labour and birth experience is a positive one for all concerned.

It is important to understand some key differences between a midwife and a doula:

- a Doula does not have any formal medical training

- a Doula will be there throughout the whole labour and birth

- a Doula is there for the mother to ensure her wishes and needs are met as far as possible

What do you get for your money?

Free consultation/Interview

Birth Pack - I will provide you with a pack containing useful information and I also have a number of books available for you to borrow.

2 Ante-natal Visits - we will talk about any previous birth experiences, any concerns and worries you may have. Each meeting lasts around 1-2 hours and includes free reflexology sessions. Additional meetings can be arranged.

Telephone Consultations and contact via e-mail - as much as is required to answer any questions, concerns or queries.

Birth Preferences - I will provide assistance in helping you prepare a customised birth plan. This enables me to know what your wishes are for your birth so that I can be the best support for you and your partner.

On call 24-hours from 14 days before and after due date - you can call me at any time during this period.

Continuous emotional & physical support during labour and delivery (no matter how long!)

I have a Homeopathic Birth kit which you will be available and also my reflexology and massage skills.

I have experience in taking Cord Blood and are happy to do it again as some hospital midwives do not carry out this procedure

Postnatal Visit Usually two visit - be able to share together in the memories of your birth and admire your precious baby! I will also be available for consultation by phone during the first four weeks after the birth. Additional meetings can be arranged.

The package cost: £400.00
Extra Reflexology sessions cost: £40.00