A Birthing Partner, known as a Doula, which is the Greek word for care giver, supports parents before, during and after the birth of their child and helps them to have the birth experience they want!

A Doula supports parents be it the first, second or fifth child, and advocates on behalf of the parents especially the mother, regardless of where she chooses to give birth.  A Doula is not a midwife, and although I have knowledge of birth, procedures, pain relief and a mother’s rights etc I do not carry out any medical procedures.  I am simply there to support a woman through the birth of her child and help her to have an experience that is empowering, fulfilling and joyful.

There are many benefits to giving birth at home but for hospital births statistics show that having a Doula present drastically reduces the need for medical intervention and pain relief and it has been proven that the presence of a supportive birth attendant gives a labouring woman the support and confidence she needs to trust her body so she can birth as naturally as possible which helps both mother and baby recover quickly and get home sooner to become a family.

I aim to help prepare you for the birth of your baby on all levels.  Combining the skills and tools I use as a Kinesiologist and massage therapist I can help keep you calm and relaxed during labour and birth using Homeopathy, Flower Remedies and plenty of massage if wanted along with other techniques to keep things as natural as possible.

Dads also need a bit of support during a birth as many find it difficult to see their loved one in pain and be unable to do anything to help.  I have found that many men appreciate having someone with them who is totally on their side and can reassure them of what is ‘normal’ during labour and birth.  A Doula also gives dads the chance to just be with their wife/partner and not have to be concerned with medical jargon and can offer advice on the pro’s and con’s of different procedures/pain relief etc allowing you to make an informed decision.
 
I have had two children of my own; my first born in a Midwifery Led Unit without the need for intervention or pain relief, just the support of my husband and a fantastic midwife who trusted me and my body to do what we knew it could.  My second child was born at home in water in a beautiful candlelit setting and delivered by me, again without the need for intervention or pain relief or any post-natal complications.

I understand the feelings and emotions that are experienced during this wonderful time but I also understand a woman’s need for support through childbirth from someone who knows what they are experiencing and is there for them on a one-to-one basis and isn’t a midwife.  Therefore the only job I have to do is be with her!  Something that is sadly lacking in the NHS today.  This is why I had a Doula with my second birth and it made all the difference to the way I approached the labour and birth and gave me more confidence with advocating my wishes.  It is why I became a Doula myself!

The Doula Service consists of 2 Ante Natal visits, attendance at the birth (no matter how long or short it is!) and 2 Post Natal visits.  I am also available on the phone, text or email whenever you need to talk.

An initial interview is held, usually at my house, so that we can get to know each other first to see if we like each other and want to work with one another.  A formal contract can be drawn up if parents wish, although I tend to prefer a more informal agreement.

The cost of the service is £500 but as I believe that the presence of a Doula is so important to a woman’s experience of childbirth and that it should be accessible to everyone regardless of income, I am happy to negotiate a fee with families on a low income.  I trust that those who can afford to pay do, as this allows me to support those parents who can’t.