Birth preparation sessions

All packages include a minimum of three antenatal preparation sessions (6 hours). The focus of the birth preparation sessions are for us to get to know each other and for you to clarify your hopes and wishes. You will be given balanced, evidence based information so that you can make informed decisions. Each session will be tailored for you, but as a guideline, we will cover the following:

• Birth physiology – the labouring body and how to create an optimal environment for you, your baby, and essential birth hormones​

• Discussing your hopes and your fears - addressing each one to help ease anxieties 

• How you might expect to feel during labour and suggestions for managing each stage, including tools for birth partners

• Pain management – exploring all of your options for pharmaceutical and holistic support such as using essential oils and acupressure

• Your birth preferences - clarify your wishes and help you to complete your birth plan / preferences to accompany your medical notes

• Ways to reduce adrenaline, stress and to ease concerns

• Discuss any specific topics relevant to you and your personal situation

• Information on feeding, baby care essentials and how to emotionally prepare for your postnatal journey 

On call for you

I will be on call 24/7 from 10 days before your estimated due date. Sometimes I begin earlier than this, if an earlier birth is expected. Day or night, I will  be ready to attend your birth throughout this time and available for you contact me if you have any questions, or need a reassuring ear.

During labour

I will support you with comfort measures, including your breathing, position and massage and bring a calm, intuitive presence and a positive energy to the birth room. The role of a doula is not to replace your partner or birth companion, but to support them to support you, offering guidance, balanced information and practical help. I protect and hold the birth space, ensuring you understand your options and can communicate with healthcare professionals, as per your wishes. I fully recognise and value the role of midwives and work alongside them, building rapport to create a positive, fully supported birth environment.

Once you have had your baby

I will stay with you until you to feel settled, have had something to eat, had a shower perhaps and are comfortable feeding your baby. I can answer any immediate questions and give you a boost of confidence as you head it to your first day and night with your little one.

POSTNATAL VISITS

My first visit is usually within a few days after the birth. If you plan to breastfeed, it is especially helpful to visit or at least be in touch with with you soon after the birth to help get breastfeeding off to a good start. During the first visit we tend to talk about the birth; debriefing is a really important and helpful process. I am there to help with feeding and can signpost additional support if needed. The second visits tends to be around a week or so later and will often involve more reflection on how the parenting journey is going so far as well as answering baby care related questions. I can also offer some practical support which might involve sorting laundry or holding your baby whilst you do something for yourself.

What to know more?

I offer a free consultation so that we can get to know each other and talk about how best I can support you. Please call or email me or use the enquiry form below.

I am currently not available to give birth doula support.