Birth Doula
My birth doula services vary from person to person and are specifically tailored to meet individual preferences and needs. I recognise that every birth is unique and work to enhance the experience in as positive a way as possible. I will be with you throughout your labour and birth, no matter how long it may last. I can help with positions for labour and birth, breathing, pain relief massage and relaxation techniques and provide often much needed emotional support for your birthing partner. I do not attend the birth in any medical capacity but can often offer explanation of medical terms or procedures if required.
Following studies including more than 2000 doula-supported women it was shown that having a doula present during labour and birth had the effect of:
* 50% reduction in the caesarean rate
* 25% shorter labour
* 60% reduction in epiduralrequests
* 30% reduction in analgesia use
* 40% reduction in forceps delivery
and also that having a doula present at a birth helps fathers participate with confidence and increases success in breast-feeding. (Findings taken from "Mothering the Mother" by Klaus, Kennell & Klaus, 1993).
6 weeks after birth, mothers who had doulas were:
* Less anxious and depressed
* More confident with their baby
* More satisfied with their partner (71% vs 30%)
* More likely to be breastfeeding (52% vs. 29%)
(These statistics appear in A Doula Makes the Difference by Nugent in Mothering Magazine (Kennell J, Klaus M, McGrath S, Robertson S, Hinkley C. JAMA 1991 May 1;265(17):2197-201))
Birth Doula Package - (£600)
Two antenatal meetings of around two hours each, during which we can discuss birth preferences such as pain relief or positions for labour and birth;
Unlimited phone and email contact;
24-hour on-call period from 38-42 weeks and continuous support throughout labour and birth, no matter how long it takes;
Use of TENS machine/birthing ball/any books you may like to borrow;
birth pool available to hire for £50;
At least one postnatal visit during which we can debrief the birth and talk through any other things you feel you may need support with. One or two further visits offered on top if they are needed or wanted.
Postnatal Doula
As a postnatal doula I offer practical and emotional support as you begin your journey into parenthood. As well as helping with the day-to-day care of your baby (or babies) I am able to offer breastfeeding support if you want it. I am also happy to help with housework, cook you a meal or walk the dog, look after an older child so you can spend some time with the baby or look after the baby so you can sleep... Anything goes really!
In June 2009 the MIDIRS Midwifery Digest published an article based on the results of a nationwide doula survey undertaken by Valerie Goedkoop. Her results showed that 88% of women who had a postnatal doula were still breastfeeding at 6 weeks (compared with 21% at 6 weeks according to the Office for National Statistics Infant Feeding Survey of 2005) and 67% were still breastfeeding at 6 months (compared with 7% according to the survey).
Postnatal Doula -£15 an hour
