What does a Birth Doula do?
As your birth doula I am there to support you and your partner constantly through the
process of preparing for labour and birth. As your birth doula I will make suggestions for planning and preparing for the birth of your baby, ensuring you the birthing experience you desire. I draw on my knowledge and experience and contribute through observation. I am able to provide continuous, physical and emotional support and to empower your birth experience. If the need arises I can help you communicate with your midwife and medical staff to ensure that you have all the information you need to make informed decisions during, labour and birth. I am there to compliment your midwife, not to replace her. As your birth doula I am there to provide continuity for you and your partner. I do not give medical advice or support you clinically role – that is the job of the midwife/medical staff, I am only trained in the physiology of birth and have a good knowledge and awareness of female physiology.
The birth doula package includes the following:
Two Antenatal home visits
We will discuss your exact individual needs, explore your ideas and wishes on birth, and how you would like me to support you throughout your pregnancy, labour and birth. If you haven’t written your birth plan I can help you prepare one. Including your preferences on pain management options and your views on pain relief. We will go through the birth plan together and make sure you are prepared for the birth, so that I can be sure of offering the best support to you during labour. I will be able to inform you of all the choices you have as a pregnant woman. During these visits we talk about previous pregnancy and birth experiences and we can explore topics such as birth physiology, breathing and visualisation techniques, natural and medicated pain relief, optimal fetal positioning, your birth preferences, talk through and explore techniques to help cope with labour, positions in labour and any other topics you would like to know more about.
One Postnatal visit
One week after birth, to talk through your birth story, provide any support, discuss any problems you may have encountered, answer any questions, de-brief your birth and of course admire your precious baby.
Support
I will provide continuous emotional and physical support for both you and your partner throughout labour and birth wherever you happen to be (home or hospital birth). I offer natural pain relieving techniques and comfort measures that I have found helpful in the past such as massage, encouragement, verbal hypnosis cues and/or script reading, preparing anything needed by you or your partner: food, drink, cool clothes, warm compresses, towels, etc. I will continue to stay with you up until you are settled comfortably with your new baby before leaving.
Communication
Unlimited email, text and phone support throughout your pregnancy, to answer any questions, concerns or queries you may have. I am here for you as much as you need if you need help in finding out information or you want to talk over concerns or joys.
On call period
I will be on call for you 10 days before your due date and will be available 24 hours a day. Do not worry if your baby is overdue as I will extend the on call period until your baby is welcomed into the world. I will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days. I will never be more than 60 minutes away from your home.
