What is a Birth Doula?

Birth Doulas provide individual preparation for your unique childbirth experience. They are a hands-on support person throughout labour and birth, providing comfort techniques and encouragement for a safer and more satisfying experience.

What is a HypnoBirthing Doula?

All of the above but with the added bonus of HypnoBirthing! I teach the full HypnoBirthing course and support you with the skills and techniques you have learnt and help implement them during your labour and birth.

What can I offer you?

As your doula, I am there to nurture you, and meet your needs during labour and birth. I am there to help you and your partner create that safe, cosy and relaxed environment, in which you, your body and your baby feel most comfortable to birth wherever you are.  I understand when you need me to step up and when you need me to step back. I can be as hands-on as you wish, or I can be that comforting presence in the background, ready to be there when you need me. I offer a comforting, reassuring, knowledgeable and, when need be, active presence in your birthing environment. I am there for you during labour and birth physically, emotionally and spiritually. My continuity of care builds trust between myself, you and your partner and we will work together to create the perfect environment and atmosphere for you to calmly and comfortably birth your baby, whether at home, a birth centre or in hospital.

I enjoy offering a holistic approach, relaxing and supporting you in mind and spirit as well as body. With years of HypnoBirthing experience, I aim to support you from a calm, confident centre of peaceful relaxation and to work with you to maintain your calm and comfortable birthing body. My role is therapeutic; I don’t provide clinical support or medical advice; but I am there to empower and enable you and your partner to discuss and interpret information so you can make informed choices for you and your baby.
I have access to a wide resource of literature, articles, guidelines and policies that will help advocate for you and your baby, if need be. I am passionate about women’s birth rights and will actively stand with you to ensure your birthing preferences are acknowledged, addressed and supported by midwives, consultants and care providers according to NICE, NHS and RCOG guidelines.

Why Hire a Doula?

Research indicates that mothers who had a doula present reported their birth as easier and more comfortable than mothers who did not have doula present.  Here are some further statistics highlighting the potential benefits of having a doula (Klaus, Kennell and Klaus, 1993) :
  • 31% decrease in the use of Syntocinon
  • 28% decrease in the risk of Caesarean birth
  • 12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
  • 9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
  • 14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care unit
  • 34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience(Bohren, MA, et al. Cochrane Review, 2017)Results in:
  • Increased rates of breastfeeding at 6 weeks postpartum
  • Higher self-esteem, less anxiety and less depression at 6 weeks postpartum
  • Fathers feel more confident and involved with caring for a newborn.

 My promises to you as your Doula ~

I will be on call for you from 38-42 weeks pregnant. Should you have your baby outwith these dates, I will do my best to be there for you.

IN PREGNANCY

* At least 2 antenatal visits for birth preparation where we can discuss and develop your birth preferences as well as many aspects of antenatal education, or 5 antenatal HypnoBirthing course sessions. In the course we will look at breathing techniques; relaxation techniques; visualisation and hypnosis as well as what happens with your body and mind during childbirth; discuss the options that are available to you; look at your birth preferences and write a birth plan and also explore various comfort measures. The course will also educate your birth partner on how they can support you. I will happily answer any questions you may have to the best of my knowledge.
* I can lend you birth balls and/or other relaxation and birth preparation aids, including resources and books to help make your journey more knowledgeable and informed.
* I will be available via email, text and phone from the time we begin working together. All communication is strictly confidential.

FOR YOUR BIRTH

* I will stay with you and your partner for as long as you need me – from any point in your labour, and throughout your birth, resting when possible.
* I will support you with HypnoBirthing techniques for a calm, comfortable, empowering experience.
* I will protect the space for you to birth in, creating a calm, safe and secure atmosphere.
* I can help to physically support you during labour, in a variety of active birth positions.
* I will nurture you with nourishing food and drinks.
* I will support and nurture your partner to engage fully in the arrival of your baby.
* I will give space when or if you desire privacy.
* I will respectfully and clearly communicate with others, advocating on
your behalf, if required.
* If wished, I can also take photos, to record your birth journey or those precious first moments together after your baby arrives.

I also have a birth pool (large enough for two adults!) and complete kit to hire if you are planning a home birth (you would need to get your own sterile liner). Cost: £60.

after baby arrives

After your baby is born, I will visit you to offer any support needed and, if you wish, to talk over and debrief the birth. I can offer information on self-care post-partum and trained breastfeeding support, as well as having years of practical experience as a breastfeeding mum! I also bring nutritious homemade foods and other practical items to nourish yourself through the early days of parenthood and your post-partum period.

Birth Doula Fee – £750.

  • 2-3 antenatal visits, including hypnobirthing pregnancy relaxations.
  • 24 hour on-call period starting from 14 days before your due date
  • Continuous support throughout your labour & birth, utilising my HypnoBirthing experience, as well as other comfort measures, to help you maintain an calm, comfortably relaxed state
  • A minimum of 2 postnatal visits
  • Unlimited support throughout the perinatal period via Email, text & calls

HypnoBirthing Doula Fee – £950

*Payment plans and special rates are available. I passionately believe that price should not be a barrier to mums-to-be seeking a positive birth experience!

Fee includes:

  • 5 x antenatal visits, incorporating the HypnoBirthing course
  • 24 hour on-call period starting from 14 days before your due date
  • Continuous support throughout your labour & birth
  • A minimum of 2 postnatal visits
  • Unlimited support throughout the perinatal period via Email, text & calls