Doula / Birth Support

Our birth doulas are trained and experienced in childbirth. They have a good knowledge and understanding of the physiology of birth and the psychological impact of this life changing event; however they are not trained midwives. The birth doula attends you throughout your labour and birth; she gives encouragement and reassurance as well as attending to your practical needs. Your doula is not there to replace your partner (unless that is your wish), she is there to support you both as a couple and to ease any unnecessary stresses.

Research suggests that having a Doula present at birth can have a huge impact on outcomes, some of the benefits include:

• Reduced need for pain relief.
• Increased satisfaction with childbirth.
• Fewer complications/interventions
• Reduced labour time
• Lower caesarean section rates by 50%
• Higher success rates with breastfeeding.
• 60% reduction epidurals.
• 40% reduction in forceps deliveries.

Postnatal Doula:

Our postnatal doulas offer a flexible service that helps new parents ease their way through this amazing life transition. In our society we seldom acknowledge the importance of motherhood; ideally all new mothers should have the chance to rest and heal, to eat and drink properly, to feel nurtured and cared for and to be able to relinquish practical household duties so she can concentrate on getting to know her baby and can spend special time with her partner and other children. Kind, non-intrusive care and support really does make a difference.

Birth Doula Package Includes:

• ‘Getting to know each other’ – Two antenatal visits (1-2hrs). This gives you and your doula the chance to meet and find out about one another well in advance of your baby’s arrival into the world. This also gives you the opportunity to discuss your hopes, expectations, concerns and wishes.
• After you engage her services your doula is available to you on the telephone and via email. Further visits can, of course, be facilitated.
• Your doula will be on 24hour call for you from 37 weeks
• Your doula will stay with you throughout your labour and birth offering whatever helps, both practical and emotional that you require.
• This package includes two postnatal visits (1-2hrs). This gives you the chance to debrief and to ‘share the experience’ of the birth.

Postnatal Doula Package Includes:

• Your doula is very flexible and will do her best to accommodate your needs in a way that suits your family and your lifestyle.
• She may help with any or all of the following: emotional, practical and moral support; support with infant feeding; support with older children; shopping; cooking; light housework; answering calls and other tasks as required and agreed.
• Postnatal Doula services are provided in four hourly blocks – morning and afternoon, with times to suit your requirements. There is three day minimum and five day maximum service per week. If clients do require a 24/7 service this can be facilitated. Please ask for more details.

Night time Doula Service:
This specialist service is a ‘working shift’ night service. This means your doula will be working through the night to attend to your baby and domestic requirements, as per your individual needs. 12 hour shifts 8pm to 8am.