Birth Doula Services

As a mum of 3 myself I have a deep understanding and respect of the birth process plus the support a couple may find reassuring for this most amazing event – the birth of their baby. I have been attending and supporting couples through their antenatal training, labour and birth as a birth companion for over 6 years whenever requested on an informal basis. I consider this to be an honour and a privilege to be present. I support both HypnoBirthing couples and non-hypnobirthing couples. 2 years ago I undertook the Nurturing Birth programme (recognised by Doula UK) for both Birth and Post Natal Doula training. I have been present for 11 births to date and as I am now moving through the mentoring programme and formal process of Doula UK I am officially a ‘Trainee Doula’ – I hope to be fully recognised prior to 2012.

If you would like to consider using my services as a birth Doula on a ‘Trainee’ basis…(and help me be fully recognised too!) please do... contact me here…. Below is some more information about Doula’s in general and how their help and support can be invaluable both to mums and dads.

What is a Doula?

"Doula" (pronounced "doola") is a Greek word meaning "woman servant or caregiver". It now refers to an experienced woman who offers emotional and practical support to a woman (or couple) before, during and after childbirth. A doula believes in “mothering the mother” - enabling a woman to have the most satisfying and empowered time that she can during pregnancy, birth and the early days as a new mum. This type of support also helps the whole family to relax and enjoy the experience.
Nowadays most doulas undertake some training. Birth doulas are experienced in childbirth, although they may or may not have given birth themselves. They have a good knowledge and awareness of female physiology BUT the doula is not supporting the mother in a clinical role - that is the job of the midwife/medical staff.

Postnatal doulas work flexible hours to suit the family, offering practical and emotional support to the new mother and father in the home following the birth of baby.
In the West today, too often mothers are rushed back into normal day-to-day activities; in many cultures women are confined to bed and rest for a period of up to 40 days. This may be impossible in our society but with the help of a postnatal doula, a mother can enjoy some of the benefits of a prolonged "lying in" period. This will help her bond with her baby and spend extra time with any older siblings. Our work is about empowering a family to take care of itself and we facilitate this by helping around the house and offering encouragement and suggestions.

What a Doula does...

All Doula UK doulas have taken a Doula UK approved course and are either being mentored (i.e. trainees working towards 'recognition') or are Recognised Doula UK doulas. The services offered by a doula vary greatly according to the needs of the mother-to-be/parents-to-be. A doula's role has to be flexible to fit in with the given situation e.g. the type of support will differ for a first time mum to that of a woman who has children already. Every birth is unique and therefore every woman's experience is also unique.

Before Childbirth the doula will usually meet with the mother (or couple) at least once face to face, and then perhaps be available by phone or for additional meetings if necessary.

During Labour the doula is able to offer help and suggestions on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement and positioning. The doula can also encourage the father to participate in the birth to a level at which he feels comfortable. The doula's most important role is to provide nurturing, continuous support and reassurance.

After childbirth the doula may follow up with a couple of postnatal visits to help the new mum settle at home with her new baby, or alternatively, the mother may decide to employ a postnatal doula for a period of 6 - 8 weeks.

Sometimes this will mean that the mother employs a different doula to the one that attended the birth as not all birth doulas can offer extended postnatal support, whereas there are doulas who ONLY offer this type of postnatal support.

www.doula.org.uk