Birthing Doula
As your Professional Birth Doula (home births/hospitals/birthing centres), I am there as a non-medical, birthing companion and do not replace your husband or partner unless they wish it.
Many dads/partners find that having an extra support partner, such as a doula, enables them to better help and concentrate on the mum and allows them to take breaks every now and again. I will help the dad/partner to assist the mum, showing them ways that they too can make her feel more relaxed and in control. Research shows that the presence of a doula can:
reduce the time in labour
reduce the need for epidurals
reduce chance of having instrumental intervention
reduce the chance of C-section.
Whatever your prefered birth choices, I can help to ensure your labour is as active as possible and hopefully reduce the need for intervention. Obviously, it is better to plan for all eventualities but if you think you would like as natural a birth as possible, then I can help you feel empowered through
relaxation, massage and guidance; making your labour and birth experience as stress-free as possible.
For second time mums, a doula can make all the difference too - perhaps you had a traumatic first birth and wish for a different experience this time around. We can debrief your previous birth/s and hopefully understand why it didn't go as planned the first time around. This debriefing alone can really help to make you feel more in control in subsequent births.
My labour & birth package (£250) includes:
2 ante-natal visits (at least) to get to know each other, plan your birth and discuss techniques you might use during labour and also how you and your partner envisage me helping you in labour.
1 x post natal visit. Alternatively, you can of course also book me as your post-natal doula which is charged at £10 per hour after the initial free, first post-natal visit.
Elective Caesarean Sections - I can support mummies-to-be and be your soul birth partner, during an elective caesarean section (although not if you are having a general anaethetic). As long as your hospital (Peterborough/Hinchingbrook/Kettering) agree, I can be present prior to, during and after your c-section, should you require me. £100.00
We would meet up once before your c-section date to discuss your needs and to make sure you're happy with everything. I can also explain who will be present in theatre and help to make you feel comfortable with the procedure.
Following the section, you and your partner will want time to be together although I can stay, if you wish, and help you settle onto the ward and help you establish breast feeding should you have chosen to feed your baby yourself. If I have supported you alone, I can stay until you are settled on the ward and are happy for me to leave.
This support is especially useful for single mothers or for those who, for some reason, do not have a birthing partner with them during a c-section.
*It is not uncommon for some husbands/partners not to want to be in theatre.
My fee will include one post-natal visit within 2 days of you arriving home. It can be within a couple of hours of you getting home or a day or two after, depending on how you feel. After this time you could hire me as your post-natal doula if you felt you needed extra support following the birth. post-natal doula
Birthing doulas are on call for 24 hours a day, two weeks before and two weeks after your due date.