What can a Doula do for me?
Sessions before the birth are held in your home on an individual basis, or with your other birth attendees and loved ones. Importantly, I cover the process of birth, both natural and C section, the role of the brain and hormones in labour, the body’s natural pain relief ability and much more. I provide a library of resources for you to borrow and also offer some discounts for pregnancy/birth related services. I assist you to create birth preferences that are tailored to you and your birthing journey. These sessions aim to eliminate fears and unknowns through understanding and knowledge. I aim to give you the sense of empowerment in making choices to facilitate a treasured birth journey for you and your baby.

BEFORE :  The standard package will offer 3 – 4 visits at the home, with the mother.  The duration of these visits is approximately 2 hours.  The father and other birthing partners are more than welcome at these visits.  Briefly, my first visit covers the role of a doula, the brain in labour, the symphony of hormones in pregnancy and labour and also covers general pregnancy information.  From here in subsequent visits I can provide services listed in  ‘Before' area of the table above, and you will have an understanding of the service provided and how it will benefit your labour and birth experience.  I provide information and support for YOUR choices with YOUR birth.

BIRTH :   For two weeks prior and two weeks beyond your estimated due date, I will be on call 24 hours, 7 days a week.  I await your phone call to say you require my support.  This can be at the home, or I can meet you at the hospital.  I will be with you for the labour and the birth.  I am also a support to the other birthing partners.  I try to make the birth environment one of comfort and endeavour to assist you with the type of birth you have stipulated you want in your birth plan.

BEYOND :  In my post natal visits we debrief about the birth experience and I can assist in providing home based help, can provide breast feeding information and in general give support and understanding to the new mother.  Like in the meetings before the birth and at the birth, I am there to ease some of the anxieties and stresses to new mothers and their partners. 

As every mother is unique and there is a large diversity of families needing a varied range of support, my services can be tailored to suit your specific needs.

What does a Doula do in the birth?
After building a relationship with each other, I am a familiar face who is trained and experienced in the birthing process and can provide strong emotional comfort and support. I can assist you with labour at home, and/or at the place of choice for your birth. Physically, I tend to all your needs. For example: drinks, ointment for dry lips, music, lighting to bigger things such as natural pain relief massage and optimal labour positions. You can feel assured that I respect and protect your birth preferences and will have your wants and needs as my guide. I will be there for you from the moment you need me, to the moment you feel my services are no longer needed.

I have my husband/partner, why would I need a Doula?
Dads play an important role as the protector of the mother’s wishes, and the witness of an amazing life changing event. I am very respectful of the fathers’ role in the birth process and encourage the level at which they wish to participate. I aim for them too, to have treasured memories of their child’s birth. I try to ease the burden of the finer details for them and give them guidance in the process so they can be reassured and capable of giving, providing and loving their hard working wife/partner.

What about after baby arrives?
The time after a baby is born is one of many adjustments and new emotions. I provide unbiased, non judgmental support as well as access to community resources for all aspects regarding new babies and parenting. This role is very versatile and personalised. It can include feeding support, home based help and even assistance with siblings.