OBSTETRIC CARE

Pregnancy and Birth support, South Devon

For parents-to-be who have been referred, to be cared for by obstetricians as well as Midwives, it can sometimes be a confusing or daunting time, with a lot of clinical information to navigate. I offer you a personalised Doula service to support you through your pregnancy and beyond.

A 'higher risk' birth, induced, or c-section birth can and should still be a Goodbirth, and a positive, empowering, wonderful experience.

VBAC (vaginal birth after ceasarean), previous pregnancy loss, medical concerns, multiple births, high BMI (body mass index), high blood pressure, previous birth history, risk of haemorrhage, breech presentation, placenta praevia, diabetes, or babies growth concerns are just some of the reasons why you may be looked after by both Midwives and doctors during your pregnancy.

I have experience of higher risk pregnancy care and birth, and will offer a reassuring presence.

Through our antenatal meetings we will take time to more fully understand your personal circumstances, what choices you have and what to expect. We will work together with your clinical carers to ensure that you have information and evidence to help you make any decisions about your care.

We can arrange a free 45 min-1 hour meeting, at your home, cafe, or place of your choice, in 'THE SNUG' (the GOODBIRTH office in Brixham), or via video call, to discuss your personal needs.

I offer and recommend HYPNOBIRTHING as part of my full Doula package, which can be very helpful for parents with higher risk pregnancies. Please see hypnobirthing page and Doula service page for more details. If you choose to book, we will work out a personalised Birth Doula package to suit your needs.

As an example-

Private antenatal meetings and/or accompanying you at your appointments can be arranged.
Discussing any previous birth
email/phone/text support throughout your pregnancy.
Practical and emotional support, time for you to discuss appointments, any questions, or how you are feeling.
On call availability around the clock for your birth from around 10 days before due date/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, (or support you before/during/after a planned c-section) and stay with you during labour 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 comfortable and your baby has fed, or you are settled on postnatal ward.
A postnatal visit within the first two weeks to support you through any early issues (feeding, postpartum recovery etc) and talk through your birth, around three hours. More can be arranged if needed.
Telephone, text and email contact until your baby is 3 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 as you follow your instincts. If appropriate I will advise you to contact a midwife, GP or Health Visitor. Further postnatal support can be booked if needed.

Birth Doula Packages - please see Doula Services page

LAVENDER - £1500 (with Hypnobirthing course)

FERN - £1400

Please contact me to discuss your individual requirements

*PLEASE NOTE, I BELIEVE EVERY PARENT SHOULD HAVE THE CHOICE OF A DOULA AND HYPNOBIRTHING. PLEASE CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS IF FINANCES OR CIRCUMSTANCES ARE DIFFICULT, OR YOU ARE ON INCOME SUPPORT. I OFFER PAYMENT PLANS AND CONSIDER SKILL SWAPS. DOULA UK AND DOULAS WITHOUT BORDERS ALSO OFFER SUPPORT. SEE THE BIRTH PREPARATION PAGE FOR OTHER OPTIONS.