What is a doula?
Doula - a person trained to provide advice, information, emotional support, and physical comfort to a mother before, during, and after childbirth.
First time mama or seasoned mama, regardless a doula is an invaluable investment. A doula will be beside you in what is emotionally, hormonally, and spiritually the biggest shift as a woman you will experience, becoming mama. A doula is your personal advocate, gatherer of evidence-based information, there to help plan for your birth and postpartum, and most importantly support you and your choices 100%.
A doula will meet you where you are, be what you need on that particular day to best support you and your family. A doula is a shoulder to cry on, a sounding board for you to debrief, they are what ever you need them to be. Their only focus is ‘you’, whilst you are loving and nurturing your baby, they hold space for you and your family, allowing you to feel and breathe the joy that is your new baby.
Doulas are the missing link in our society, the constant for the pregnant mamas, and new mamas. The person that is there solely for them 24/7 on their amazing journey to motherhood.
Why you deserve a doula
Planning for birth and life after baby is more important than which pram you purchase, yet most don't. I know from personal experience that when its all said and done, and you are home with your baby the way you were made to feel, how supported, and how prepared you were will play on your mind. You may forget some of the finer details, but you will always remember how you were treated and made to feel during this time.
I birthed my daughters in two different hospitals and had vastly different care, sadly the second time continuity was non-existent. I spent my entire pregnancy advocating for myself, and it was tiring. I hired a doula so that we had someone on our team, someone who only cared about me, it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders and I knew that what ever happened I had her support.
A doula is hired by you, for YOU! They are there for your whole journey, or as much of it as you need to gently guide, reasure, educate, and to support you in YOUR choices, whatever they may be. A doula is the investment in you.The investment that allows you to look back on pregnancy, birth, and those early days postpartum with nothing but gratitude and amazement of your body, and your baby.
Mamas shouldn’t have to learn the hard way that when it comes to birth, and postpartum they needed to be more prepared, and it’s why every single pregnant woman deserves a doula. We are not meant to do this alone, I want all women to look back and feel supported, nurtured and respected on their journey to matrescence.
Mamas with a doula
28% decrease in the risk of caesarean section
12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery
34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
(Hodnett et al. 2012)
As your doula
I am not there to push you in any direction, or to have opinions, I am solely there to support you and your choices. I can offer advice and guide you towards extra information allowing you to be fully informed of your options at all times. I will be available to you 24/7 if you are unsure, or just needing a chat. I offer a non-judgemental ear, reassurance, and I will help you to always trust your instincts.
As a pregnancy doula I travel the pregnancy journey with you, sharing knowledge, evidence based information, answering questions, and most importantly encouraging self-confidence for birth. I am there to help you understand standard hospital policies and procedures, and run through any ‘what if’s’ allowing you to further research and speak to your care providers on what options will be best for you on the day you birth your baby.
As a postpartum doula my role is to nurture you emotionally, and to provide practical help and comfort during your transition to motherhood. I am there so you can rest, heal, and forget unrealistic expectations. I have an extensive knowledge base on breast and bottle feeding background through my role as a Neonatal RN. I am there to help with the daily runnings of the family home, care for the older siblings, I am there in that ever way you and your family need.
Doulas & partners
I often hear from the partners of birthing mamas, ‘why do we need a doula, won’t she just take my place?’. Absolutely not, you are the pregnant mama’s number one, you have a bond like no other, this is your sacred journey to take together.
As a doula my role is to nurture and strengthen your bond, and help you both feel empowered and relaxed so you can truely enjoy enjoy this time.
A doula is there to relieve pressure on birth partners allowing them to fully enjoy the experience. A doula will offer suggestions on how to help make mama more comfortable during labour and postpartum. I am also available 24/7 to answer any questions from either of you at any stage of your journey.
I have extensive training and knowledge in the birthing process, and postpartum care for mamas and babies. I have skills in physical, mental, and emotional support, as well as comfort techniques for the labouring mama.
My goal as your doula is to support both of you together as a team, so that you are prepared for birth and all that is the fourth trimester so that you will always look back on this time with as a positive and magical experience.