My Services
Before childbirth I will meet with you at least twice, preferably several times,to get to know you, your family, your wishes, needs, fears, and hopes for this baby and birth. I will also be available by phone and email throughout your pregnancy.
These are some of the things I may be able to offer you antenatally:
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Debriefing previous birth experiences
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Helping to clarify your wishes and to address your concerns for the present birth
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Empower you, within my abilities, so that you can boost your confidence to prepare for the birth you want
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Support you in your preparations for a VBAC, if you have had previous c-sections
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Birth art (as a way of creative planning for birth)
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Guiding you on hypnobirthing scripts and exercises
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Blessingways (similar to baby showers, but the gifts are for the mother-to-be and they are symbolic and powerful; it is a way of gathering the support of your female friends and relatives)
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Lending books and DVDs from my personal collection
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Information on third stage of labour, including sharing my experiences in lotus birth
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Practical tips for home birth preparation, if home is your choice of location
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Practising possible birth positions with you
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Aromatherapy hand-foot massage
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Plenty of encouragement and reassurance along the way!
During labour I will
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Ensure your comfort and peace within your own birthing space
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Offer help and suggestions on breathing, relaxation and movement, if you wish me to do so
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Provide nurturing, continuous support and reassurance to help you find your own strength in labour and birth
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Make sure you feel safe to birth your baby
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Massage your shoulders, back and legs, depending on your needs, with aromatherapy oils
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Keep you and your partner hydrated, nourished and relaxed, so that you both can go on doing what you have to do.
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Together with your partner, act as your advocate, making sure your needs and wishes are heard and respected.
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Once the baby is born, I will do my best to ensure that the new family is given the chance of a smooth transition, by fostering a calm environment, plenty of skin-to-skin contact with the baby, and laid-back breastfeeding.
Like all other doulas, I am a lay person, not a medic, and do not advise, interfere, judge or undertake clinical tasks.
After childbirth I follow up with a couple of postnatal visits to help you settle at home with your new baby. Alternatively, you may decide to employ me as a postnatal doula for a period of 6 - 8 weeks, depending on my availability.
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You may decide that you need my support for about 6-8 weeks postnatally.
These are some of the things I may be able to offer you as a postnatal doula:
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Birth debriefing
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Breastfeeding support
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Going over any postnatal concerns and issues
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If this is your first baby, being there to assure you are doing the right thing
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Practical support with your baby while you rest, shower or sleep
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Cooking, laundry, and other light chores
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Babywearing (slings) advice
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Practical suggestions about co-sleeping arrangements, if you choose to do so
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Tips on baby massage
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Help with older siblings
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Help sourcing information
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Offer you a 'birth-sealing' ceremony (including Bengkung Belly Binding to strengthen your abdominal muscles