My aim as a birth doula is to provide a calming and grounded presence, help remove any fears you may have and replace them with a feeling of empowerment as you prepare for your birth. I will hold space for you and ensure you are equipped with the knowledge to help you make informed choices.

 

We would meet to go through your birth preferences, talk about your vision of how you would like your birth to be and ways in which we can best make that happen. I provide information, pros and cons of various options and support the decisions you make, making sure you (and your partner) feel informed and confident in the run up to the birth. 

 

BIRTH PACKAGE - £1200

 

2 x 2-3 hour sessions to go through things in more detail, which will cover:

 

• Your birth preferences and birth planning

• Hopes, concerns or fears

• Information regarding birth, both physiological (including looking at Biomechanics for Birth) and medically assisted

• Birthing positions

• Ways to avoid unnecessary medical intervention or how to make the best of it, should intervention be necessary

• Ways in which we can help make birth effective and an easier ride

• Techniques for the partner to use to help and reassure you (if you have a partner)

• The immediate period after the birth of your baby (including the birth of the placenta, cord clamping and cutting and vitamin K)

• The ‘golden hour’ and feeding preferences

• Above all, discuss how I can support you on your journey

 

The aim, by the end of these sessions, is for you to feel excited, confident and supported ahead of the birth. It is also an opportunity for us all (me, you and your family) to get to know each other better.

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1 x 2-hour postnatal planning session and breastfeeding session

This is an opportunity to think about what kind of support you think you will need in the postnatal period and how that can be implemented. This could take place at your home, virtually or during a walk.

If you intend to breastfeed, we will discuss the importance of getting breastfeeding off to a good start and how this can be achieved, with the right support.

 

On call

After this session, I will be on call from 38 weeks until two weeks after your due date. But if you go in to labour before or after this on call period, I'll do my very best to be there for your birth. I will be on standby for you and you can call, message or email me at any time with any concerns or updates from your appointments with your midwife. If you would like me to attend any antenatal appointments with you, I would be happy to do so.

 

Labour and birth

When your waters break or you feel the first contractions, you will contact me to let me know things have kicked off. We will remain in contact by phone until things are more established and progressing, at which point, I will come to you and stay with you.

 

During labour, I will provide reassurance to you (and your partner, if you have one), making sure you fully understand what stage you are at and what to expect as well as reducing any fear you may have. We will work together as a team (alongside your healthcare provider) to make the birth more comfortable.

 

Protecting your space is vital so I will make sure you have time to discuss and make informed choices, so that your needs and wishes are met as far as possible.

 

Post-birth

After the birth, I will stay with you for a couple of hours or until you are all settled. I will then visit a few days later for a 2-hour session and offer support to you and your newborn, helping you find the answers to any questions you may have. We can discuss the birth if you wish; reflecting and sharing your experience can be really beneficial. During this session I can also help with any chores, cooking, washing etc or hold your baby so you can get some much needed rest or take a healing bath.

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If you would like any additional postnatal visits, these can be booked in, depending on my availability (see 'Postnatal').

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I will support you via email, message or phone throughout our time together and for 6 weeks after the birth of your baby.

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SHARED CARE

I also offer shared care with another doula which means you can benefit from the wisdom, experience and support of two doulas throughout your journey. We both attend all antenatal sessions so you can get to know us well and we share the 'on call' period.

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BIRTH & POSTNATAL PACKAGE - £1640

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All of the Birth Package (sole doula support) plus 20 hours postnatal support*

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PRE- AND POST-BIRTH PACKAGE - £700

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4 x 2-hour sessions (or a total of 8 hours) antenatal preparation and postnatal planning

20 hours postnatal support*

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BIRTH PLANNING POWER HOUR(S) - £40 FOR 1 HOUR, £75 FOR 2 HOURS

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1-2-1 birth planning session in-person* or online

Evidence-based knowledge on a range of choices and preferences that affect your birth plan

Follow up notes and links to articles to support you in writing you own individualised birth plan(s)

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Please note: All my services can be tailored to meet your individual needs. Please contact me to discuss a bespoke package.

 

If you would prefer to have virtual support, I would be delighted to support you wherever you are located. Please see 'Virtual Services' for more information.

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As a doula, I am not here to make decisions for you nor am I qualified to give medical advice. The evidence-based information you get in these sessions may inform your decisions or they may lead you to ask further questions when speaking to your midwife and birth team.

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* travel to and from your home or our meeting place will be charged as an additional cost