A bit about Doula's:
Here's a small clip (for a forth coming
film) showing what we do!
Doula originates from Greek meaning a person
who 'serves' and anthropologist Dana Raphael first
used the term doula to refer to experienced mothers who
assisted new mothers. As a mother herself, a doula
understands much more intuitively and has experience on her
side. We are there to help the woman feel safe and secure
and more importantly, research has proven that having
emotional and physical continuous support while you are in
labour has many positive benefits such as helping you to
remain relaxed, feel more in control of your labour, have
more confidence in your body, have a shorter first stage of
labour and a reduced need for pain relief.
Sadly these days, it is all too common for midwives to be
tied up with busy wards and administration which leaves
them little time to forge a relationship with the mother,
let alone provide the support they require. Some women will
often have very loving and supportive partners who wish to
attend the birth and often this is assumed to be enough for
the labouring woman. But all too often fathers can
(naturally) feel anxious and apprehensive, which is
extremely contagious to the labouring mother and can
inhibit the birth to progress. I often find fathers that
wish to attend are extremely happy and grateful for having
support from a Doula too.
In addition to this, RESEARCH has shown
that having a doula present at a birth ;
- Shortens first-time labour by an average of 2 hours
- Decreases the chance of caesarean section by 50%
- Decreases the need for pain medication
- Helps fathers participate with confidence
- Increases success in breastfeeding
(Findings from "Mothering the Mother" Klaus, Kennell
& Klaus, 1993)
The Doula
Services
I work as an experienced
Antenatal/Birth and
Postnatal Doula where I can offer support
before and during the birth and postnatally, however the
mother may wish. I have supported over 40 women in labour
as of Jan 2010 and continue to gain a great deal of
experience to offer all types of support in all types of
situations.
During the antenatal period, we discuss any previous birth
experiences or any questions you may have and then also the
birth plan or simply your wishes for the birth. My first
visit is free and can be done at either my home or your
home or in a coffee shop - depending where you feel most
comfortable. This enables you to get to know me, see how
you feel and think about whether you would like you use me
as your Doula, remembering you are under no obligation at
all.
Antenatally, we will meet at least twice with meetings no
less than 2 hours long. You can call with me any questions
you have, any concerns or simply for reassurance and
support before the birth. During the birth I will attend
when you call and remain with you throughout. If you
require the Postnatal service, I can
provide experienced and trained breastfeeding support if
you wish with other parts differing greatly depending on
the needs of you and your family. I can assist with many
household tasks, enable you to get some rest and generally
make sure life with your new baby is a calm and happy
event.
I do not go on call for more than one family at a time;
please contact me in the first instance to discuss
availability. I am willing to travel up to an hour from my
home in South Warwickshire to provide doula services. I
work closely with my friend and colleague Kedi Simpson, and
we provide back-up for each other. You can visit her
website, www.kedisimpson.com, for more
information about her services.
The Full Antenatal, Birth and Postnatal Doula
Package £400
This includes:
2-3 Antenatal Meetings of no less than 2 hours each. - This
can include attending any antenatal appointments with you
or any course you choose to attend where you feel you might
want your Doula.
Unlimited support via the telephone or email. You will have
my mobile number and therefore must feel you can contact me
if you need support or further information. I am there for
you!
On call for your birth from 37-42 (plus!) weeks.
Attending your birth for however long it takes.
2-3 Postnatal Visits. (with Antenatal and postnatal visits
totaling a maximum of 5 visits - you choose where you would
prefer to use them).
Additional meetings not covered by this agreement can be
made at a charge of £26.50 per hour.
(Monthly payment of fees can be discussed if
required)
Please email me, download my Brochure or call 01926 612068 to
find out more information regarding the Full Doula
Services ( which covers Antenatal/Birth and Postnatal)
or the PostNatal Services only.