As your birth doula I would be available to you throughout your labour on a one to one basis to encourage, reassure and comfort you, convey information about what is happening to you and facilitate communication between you, the midwife and other medical staff. I would share with you the knowledge and experience I have gained from supporting other women during labour and, having given birth myself, would be able to empathise with you in a caring, attentive and compassionate way.  

As a mother, you carry your birthing memories with you through your life's journey and often remember how your child entered this world. I believe that having a doula enables you to achieve a more positive and happy birth experience which in turn, has profound effects on the well-being of both mother and child as they begin their lives together.

My birth services include:

Being on call for you 24/7 between weeks 38 and 42 of your pregnancy (these dates are flexible and I would still be available for you and reachable in an emergency outside these dates).

Text/phone/email contact for the duration of your pregnancy right up until 8 weeks after your birth.  The idea is to build a relationship of trust where you are able to ask me questions about your pregnancy and birth in confidence, express your fears and concerns and I am there to share your excitement too.

Three visits of approximately 1.5 hours.  This is usually split into two antenatal sessions and one postnatal visit.  During the antenatal sessions my role is to prepare you for your birth.  We discuss any fears, anxieties, hopes and aspirations you may have surrounding your birth, the importance of hormones during labour and I am happy to offer suggestions towards your birth plan.  We also cover optimal fetal positioning, helpful positions to adopt during labour, pain relief options, breathing and visualisation techniques and feeding your baby after delivery.  During the postnatal visit I offer feeding support, debrief your birth and I am happy to answer any questions you may have.  Additional postnatal visits can be arranged.    

I can provide you with information and research enabling you to make an informed choice. I have had experience dealing with the NHS maternity services so I understand how the system works.  I am therefore able to provide alternatives supported by this information, enabling you to make your own decision.

Being present for the duration of your birth and remaining with you post birth to ensure feeding is established and mother and baby are settled.  I work with your partner in supporting you and together we will protect your birth space and ensure that you feel safe and relaxed throughout your labour. I will not leave your side unless requested to do so. I am happy to advocate your wishes and communicate with health professionals if necessary.  I provide comfort, encouragement, relaxation and breathing techniques and offer suggestions in adopting various positions that might be helpful to you during labour.

Birth is not a pass or a fail and I do not judge nor have my own agenda.  My role is to support your wishes whether it be an elective caesarean section, medicated or unmedicated birth enabling you to achieve a positive and satisfying birth experience for you, your partner and your baby – the happy memories of which you can carry with you throughout your life.

Price available on request