The word Doula is greek - it means "caregiver" and that is what I can offer my clients. I care about babies and their parents. In our current high-speed society mothers can often feel pressurised to return to "normal" rapidly after giving birth. They may be expected to meet unrealistic ideals, such as a baby who feeds and sleeps to a tight schedule; to regain their pre-pregnancy figure quickly; and possibly return to paid employment within a short space of time. A doula is a woman who has usually given birth herself and therefore has an understanding of how life is with a newborn. My principal role is one of support, whether it be emotional or physical. I have a particular interest in breastfeeding and am willing to encourage and help new parents establish successful feeding.
This is why I chose to call my service "Doula Gift" - it is both a gift to have a child and to receive a doula can make that gift even more special.
A birth doula generally meets the parents once or twice before the birth, she does, after all, become part of your family for a while, and it is an opportunity to express wishes for your birth - usually in the form of your birth plan - in order that you can feel confident that your birth experience can be as close to your expectations as possible. I would then join you when you call me, whether at home or once you arrive at the maternity hospital (or at your home in the event of a home birth) and stay throughout labour and birth. I would then visit you postnatally once or twice, just to see how you are getting on! My role is not to be confused with that of the midwife - I am not medically trained - I am there to support and empower you.
There is evidence to suggest that women who are accompanied by doulas during labour and birth encounter less medical interventions such as forceps, ventouse, epidurals, which, in turn can sometimes lead to a caesarean section.
A post natal doula will also meet the parents before birth and will usually commence her time with you once you have been at home with your baby for a few days after discharge from hospital or, in the case of a home birth, at your convenience. I will commit to offering you approximately four hours per day, five days a week in order to ease you into parenting smoothly and allow the mother to rest as much as possible during this time. My duties may involve preparing an evening meal, shopping, driving the mother and baby to doctors' surgeries or other appointments in case she has had a caesarean and is unable to drive for several weeks, bathing and changing your baby, if required, politely managing your visitors (you would be surprised how tiring they can be - someone else putting on the kettle and making tea is a godsend!) and some light housework in order for you not to feel pressurised. I would expect to be with you for about 4 weeks, but this is flexible.
Having a baby is one of the most special and exciting times of your life - I truly want to help you enjoy the experience to the full.
For your reassurance I do have an Enhanced "CRB" certificate.
I have trained in using a Rebozo with Stacia Smales Hill - a doula herself and childbirth educator with over 30 years experience. This is a mexican shawl which has been used for centuries to help women before birth, during labour and postnatally. It is completely non-invasive and can be very comforting and relaxing.
I can offer relaxing foot massage, either antenatally, during labour or postnatally. I learnt these techniques from Caroline Killalea (MAR,IIR ART Reg) who is a reflexologist with over 10 years experience.
I have a Helios Birth Kit which clients are welcome to use. I have attended an Introduction to Homeopathy study day for labour and birth with Michaela Kennard, RSHom, Classical Homeopath.
I have many pregnancy and child related books and publications which clients are welcome to borrow.
I volunteer at the local breastfeeding drop-in clinic - an invaluable source of information and very rewarding!
