Birth Doula

Doula, (pronounced 'doola') is derived from a Greek word meaning 'caregiver' or 'woman servant'. In today's terms it refers to an experienced person who offers emotional and practical support to a birthing parent before, during and after childbirth.

Whatever your circumstances or background, I support all parents and all women and birthing people. I also support surrogate families, those having an IVF or multiple pregnancy, or if you have any individual needs, all parents-to-be are welcomed.

Together we can maximize your potential for a POSITIVE birth, where you feel respected and in control. Together we can discuss your birth preferences, plans and options, and your parenting choices.

I have experience working in all birth settings, home, hospital and theatre. I work comfortably alongside Midwives, Doctors, Consultants and Paediatricians, with you as the person in control of all your choices.

It is a good idea to talk to more than one Doula when choosing a Doula to support your birth. I offer a free first appointment at your home, a cafe (or agreed place), via video call or at GOODBIRTH in 'The Snug', for 45mins-hour, for an informal chat. You are under no obligation to book me. It is important that parents are completely comfortable with their Doula. If you do decide to book me my service can be flexible to suit your own requirements, but generally includes-

Private antenatal meetings to ensure you and any birth partner/friend, feel prepared, whatever kind of birth you have. You can choose what subjects you want to know more about. This will be bespoke to you, and additional information/support will be provided throughout your pregnancy (at least 6 hours of visits).
email/phone/text support throughout your pregnancy. You will have a space and time to discuss any questions, any thoughts about your appointments, or to talk about how you are feeling.
On call availability around the clock for your birth from around 10 days/38 weeks (can be adjusted to suit personal needs e.g. twins) until your baby is born. I will come to you in labour when you ask me, and stay with you until after your baby is born. I offer continuous support that the NHS unfortunately, sometimes can not. I will leave once you are happy for me to go, usually after you have had some food and drink, are showered and settled and your baby has fed. This can be at home or hospital births.
A postnatal visit within the first two weeks to support you through any early issues and talk through your birth, (around a three hour visit). More can be arranged if needed. You can use this time for feeding support, time to rest while I take care of baby, help with first bath, time for yourself, or I can tidy/do dishes/laundry!
Telephone, text and email contact until your baby is 6 weeks old. You can discuss any worries or ask any questions in this early time which can help you gain confidence or just reassure you. If appropriate I will advise you to contact a midwife, GP or Health Visitor. Further postnatal support can be booked if needed.

Antenatal subjects may include:

Creating a Birth Preferences/plan. Discussing options and ideas
Place of birth
Antenatal relaxation (Hypnobirthing if requested- please see Hypnobirthing page).
Preparing for birth
Baby's position before birth
The importance of hormones
Birth environment
Early labour signs and managing early labour
Eating and drinking in labour
Stages and mechanisms of labour
Being mobile and active, changing positions in labour
Waterbirth
Birth partner support
Rebozo techniques (using a Mexican scarf)
Pain management options
Immediate postnatal issues
Postpartum preparation
Early new born care, feeding/bathing

The antenatal sessions are aimed to empower you to have faith in and trust your body and ability to birth. You will maximise your potential of achieving a natural birth. We will explore ways of coping with any unexpected changes of plan, whilst ensuring you remain in control.

When you feel you are ready, you can call me whatever time of day or night, to support you (and your birth partner if you have one) during early or established labour. I will support you whatever your choices are, including place of birth, pain management, unexpected complications, or anything you may wish. Our antenatal preparation will empower you to feel confident to make your own choices.

If you are planning a C-section birth we will explore all your options. Please see menu above for obstetric consultant pregnancy.

I am comfortable and have experience working in all birth circumstances and settings, including homebirth and waterbirth. Depending on your wishes I can help protect your birth environment to provide a relaxing atmosphere, protect your privacy, offer massage, ensure you have drinks and food, breathe with you, help you to try different positions, help you to the bathroom, ensure that any birth partner is cared for and comfortable, and support you both if plans change. I will comfort and nurture you if you want me to, or just be there quietly waiting, in case you need anything, a caring pair of hands. I work alongside any Midwives or doctors who may or may not also be caring for you and providing clinical care.

I will stay with you until after the birth of your baby. I will be with you and your baby for the first feed and in the important immediate postnatal time, I will leave when you are comfortable. During the first two weeks after the birth I will visit you at a time to suit you, to offer whatever support you may need, for example, feeding support. As a qualified Nursery Nurse I can also offer practical advice about caring for your new born baby. Further postnatal support can be arranged (please see postnatal services).

Birth Doula Service - £900

Birth Doula Service plus Hypnobirthing - £1,010

One added 3 hour session (9 hours antenatal minimum) Your Hypnobirthing course is incorporated throughout your individualised antenatal meetings. You will also receive the KGH Hypnobirthing handbook.

(see Hypnobirthing in services menu above)

Emergency Birth Support

If you are in an emergency situation, need urgent support or have no birth partner on the day, I may be able to help. Please do contact me if you are in need.

VIRTUAL SERVICES

Please ask for an information about what VIRTUAL support you would like, a combination of in person and virtual can be also be arranged, fees will be adapted.

Pregnancy Doula (virtual)-from £200

Birth Doula (virtual, including antenatal virtual sessions and on call availability)-from £600

Postnatal Doula (virtual), first week support, or ongoing sessions-from £100

*PLEASE NOTE, I BELIEVE EVERY PARENT SHOULD HAVE THE CHOICE OF DOULA SUPPORT AND HYPNOBIRTHING. PLEASE CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS IF FINANCES OR CIRCUMSTANCES ARE DIFFICULT OR ON INCOME SUPPORT.

DOULA UK HAVE AN ACCESS FUND AND ALSO SELL GIFT VOUCHERS. DOULAS WITHOUT BORDERS OFFER SUPPORT. INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS ARE ACCEPTED. I WILL CONSIDER SKILL/SERVICE SWAPS.