Birth Doula

‘We have a secret in our culture, it’s not that birth is painful, it’s that women are strong.’

Laura Stavoe Harm

‘A woman in birth is at once her most powerful, and most vulnerable.  But, any woman that has birthed unhindered understands that we are stronger than we know.’ 

Marcie Macari

Photograph by Aimee Laoise Photography

 

Birth Doula Support, taylor made to suit your needs:

  • Birth Prep sessions, (see birth preparation page.) I can offer two , three or four of these sessions depending on your wishes.

  • On call starts 10 days before your EDD until your baby is born.  I will available for calls or texts message between 9am and 9pm if not urgent and I will be available 24 hours a day if you need urgent support.

  • Out of the on call period, calls or texts message between 9am and 6pm if you need support/advice, unless it is an urgent matter.

  • When your labour begins I will join you whenever you want me to.  I will stay with you throughout, until after your baby has been born and you are both settled.  I will be there to support you and to support your partner in supporting you.  I will endeavour to make sure your birth choices will be respected and your voice heard.   

  • Some of the ways I offer support would be: 

    I will trust you, your body and your baby that you can birth in the way that is right for you, supporting your uniqueness and celebrating these.

    Emotionally, through being a person that will hear your wishes and stay with you throughout.  

    I can offer physical supports such as massage and suggest alternative positions and breathing techniques if you are requesting this.  

    I will hold space for you to explore you vulnerabilities and listen to any concerns that may arise.

    I will endeavour to hold your birthing space, making sure your birth choices regarding the space are met. This might include practical preparation such as selecting the music of your choice, creating soothing lighting where possible, making sure the birthing pool is filled and ready, making sure your nourishment and hydration needs are met.  Take any photos on request.

    I will encourage good relations and communication with partners and midwives and other medical staff. 

  • In the postnatal period, I will visit you for up to two hours at a time that suits you, any time from a few days after the birth to three weeks. I can offer one, two or three visits depending on what you feel would support you best. These visits will give us an opportunity to reflect on your birth journey, our memories of the experience and some time to explore all the emotions around this time of transitioning.  I will also be there to offer support with breastfeeding and I can signpost local and other support that might benefit you.

  • I will be available for 6 weeks via message or phone call to support you.

  • You can also request further postnatal support. Please see postnatal doula support page for further details.