Doula

What is a Doula?

A Doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to individuals and couples before, during, and after childbirth. The word "doula" comes from ancient Greek and means "a woman who serves."

The primary role of a doula is to support and advocate for the birthing woman and her partner throughout the childbirth process. Doula offers continuous physical and emotional support and encouragement, helping create a positive and empowering birth experience. Doulas do not provide medical care or perform clinical tasks but work alongside healthcare professionals, such as doctors or midwives.

The support provided by a doula includes the following:

Emotional support: Doulas offer reassurance, encouragement, and comfort to the mother and her partner. She helps create a calm and nurturing environment.

Physical support: Doulas use various techniques to provide physical comfort during labour, such as massage, positioning suggestions, and breathing techniques.

Informational support: Doulas provide information about pregnancy, labour, and postpartum to help the mother and her partner make informed decisions. She may also help create birth plans or discuss available options.

Advocacy: Doulas can help ensure that the mother's preferences and desires are respected and communicated effectively to healthcare providers.

Doulas can be present during hospital births, home births, or births at birthing centers.

Why choose me as your Doula?

I studied being a doula about 23 years ago and did a year of training in a hospital.

I have been in many births, from epidural to natural hospital births and home births.

In the meantime, I gave birth to my five kids, two of whom are twins. So I know from my experience of giving birth and being in many deliveries how to best support your needs in the birthing process. 

I have many tools to help you if needed. I use Shiatsu, Reflexology and Herbs if required. To help promote labour naturally and help with the pain and discomfort. 

I'm very attentive to the couple's needs. I aim to help the woman have an empowered, gentle birth however she sees it. Educate her on how to give birth by supporting her body and connecting her to her self-knowing birthing body. 

I will happily have a complimentary meeting with you for you to get to know me and ask questions. 

Why do I need a Postpartum Doula?

A postpartum doula is a trained professional who supports families during the postpartum period, which is the time immediately following childbirth. They help new parents transition into their new roles and assist with various aspects of postpartum care. Here are some of the things a postpartum doula may do:

1. Emotional support: Postpartum doulas provide emotional support to new parents, helping them navigate the ups and downs of having a newborn. They offer a listening ear, validate their feelings, and provide encouragement and reassurance.

2. Practical support: Doulas assist with practical tasks related to postpartum recovery and newborn care. They may help with breastfeeding support, teach newborn care techniques, assist with diaper changes, bathing, and soothing techniques, and offer guidance on establishing a sleep routine.

3. Household support: Postpartum doulas may assist with light household chores, such as laundry, meal preparation, and tidying up. They aim to alleviate some household responsibilities so parents can focus on bonding with their babies and resting.

4. Breastfeeding support: Doulas often have training in breastfeeding support and can help new mothers with latching techniques, positioning, and addressing common breastfeeding challenges. They can provide information on breast milk storage and pumping and help troubleshoot any difficulties.

5. Education and resources: Doulas provide evidence-based information and resources to parents, helping them make informed decisions about newborn care, feeding, and postpartum recovery. They may offer educational materials, referrals to community resources, and answer questions about baby development and milestones.

6. Self-care guidance: Postpartum doulas emphasize the importance of self-care for new parents. They may provide guidance on nutrition, rest, and physical recovery. They encourage parents to prioritize their well-being, ensuring they have the energy and emotional capacity to care for their baby.

It's important to note that the specific responsibilities of a postpartum doula can vary depending on the needs and preferences of the family they are assisting. Some of my specialists are postpartum mood disorders, multiple births and physical support with Shiatsu.