What is a Doula?
The Word ‘Doula’ comes from ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves” and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and practical support during the pregnancy labour and postpartum period.
Studies have shown that when Doulas attend a birth, labours are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.
Research shows parents who receive support…
Feel more secure and cared for
Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
Have greater success with breastfeeding
Have greater self-confidence
Have decreased postpartum depression
(Campbell et al 2007, McGrath and Kennell 2008)
Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth…
Tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
Reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
Reduces the need for medication, forceps, vacuum extraction and cesareans
Reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals
Why use a Doula?
Women have complex needs during childbirth and the weeks that follow. In addition to medical care provided by the midwives and Dr’s, and the love and companionship provided by their partners, women need consistent continuous reassurance, encouragement and respect. Doulas provide physical (non-medical), emotional support to women and their partners during labour and birth. Doulas offer a loving touch, and use positioning and comfort measures that we have seen can help women during labour.
My Birth Package
My Doula services include the following:
Prenatal Preparation
Preparing a Birth Plan with you, providing important information and plenty of emotional support. Hospital bag, baby essentials, and comfort techniques for labour.
Birth Doula Support
Guiding you through labour hand in hand while providing continuous support until baby is born
Postnatal Support
We will have postnatal sessions in which we will discuss the birth and any issues with baby, I am happy to help with the first bath or cover any baby care queries that come up.
Help with Breastfeeding
As breastfeeding is new and unknown for both mum and baby, I will help you feel at ease with feeding your baby and can assist and guide you. I hope to leave you feeling confident.
Birth Package:
Antenatal:
I look forward to meeting you for an initial, no obligation interview. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and explore your ideas on birth. Once booked I offer unlimited phone calls and emails and texts throughout your pregnancy and up to six weeks after birth. I have an extensive book library and also a tens machine that I can lend you for your birth. Antenatal visits include discussions of birth physiology, birth plan, hospital bag, birth preferences and exploring techniques to help cope with labour.
On Call Period:
As you reach week 38 of your pregnancy, we will go into the On-Call period, in which I will be available 24/7 to come and support you when labour begins.
Birth:
I will stay at your side throughout the birth and provide support until you are settled.I can help you with that first breast feed and shower after the birth.
I am a keen photographer and am happy to photograph your birth or those very special first moments, while providing continuous support through the entire labour and birth process.
Postnatal:
After birth I am still there to offer support, both emotional and practical, especially with breastfeeding. I encourage mothers to rest and can look after your newborn during that time.Ultimately, I aim to leave you rested and confident.
Doula UK
I have a profile at one of the major UK doula organisations website. Click on the link below to see it:
Nina Forman Doula UK
Doula Access Fund
I also volunteer my services through the Doula Access Fund.
Antenatal sessions are relaxed, fun, and the a good place to get to know each other so that when the time comes, I will be not only a familiar face, but someone you have got to know and feel comfortable with.
