Antenatal Support

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:

• Debriefing previous birth experiences

• Helping to clarify your wishes and to address your concerns for the present birth

• Empower you, within my abilities, so that you can boost your confidence to prepare for the birth you want

• Support you in your preparations for a VBAC, if you have had previous c-sections

• Birth art (as a way of creative planning for birth)

• Guiding you on hypnobirthing scripts and exercises

• 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)

• Lending books and DVDs from my personal collection

• Information on third stage of labour, including sharing my experiences in lotus birth

• Practical tips for home birth preparation, if home is your choice of location

• Practising possible birth positions with you

• Aromatherapy hand-foot massage

• Plenty of encouragement and reassurance along the way!

Birth support

During labour I will  

• Ensure your comfort and peace within your own birthing space

• Offer help and suggestions on breathing, relaxation and movement, if you wish me to do so

• Provide nurturing, continuous support and reassurance to help you find your own strength in labour and birth

• Make sure you feel safe to birth your baby

• Massage your shoulders, back and legs, depending on your needs, with aromatherapy oils

• Keep you and your partner hydrated, nourished and relaxed, so that you both can go on doing what you have to do.

• Together with your partner, act as your advocate, making sure your needs and wishes are heard and respected.

• 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.

Postnatal support

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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

• Breastfeeding support

• Going over any postnatal concerns and issues

• If this is your first baby, being there to assure you are doing the right thing

• Practical support with your baby while you rest, shower or sleep

• Cooking, laundry, and other light chores

• Babywearing (slings) advice

• Practical suggestions about co-sleeping arrangements, if you choose to do so

• Tips on baby massage

• Help with older siblings

• Help sourcing information

• Offer you a 'birth-sealing' ceremony (including Bengkung Belly Binding to strengthen your abdominal muscles