What do you do?

What does a Birth Doula do?
A Birth Doula attends a woman during labour and after the birth, assisting in her empowerment and providing physical, emotional and informational support.

Will you speak for me during the birth or give me advice?
We do not speak on the behalf of the mother, doing so would be stealing her opportunity to speak herself, instead we help support an environment where she or her birth partner feel confident and able to ask questions and advocate for themselves. I will however make sure to provide you with any information that will help you to make informed choices either before or during the birth.

How does a Birth Doula help with birth outcomes?
By providing continuous support Doulas have been shown by research to provide numerous benefits to labouring women, such as shorter labours, less need for pain medication, lower caesarean rates and much more. If you’d like to read all about the evidence on doula assisted care have a look at what Evidence Based Birth have to say about them.

When do you do it?

Is it too late/early in pregnancy for me to hire a Birth Doula?
Many women choose to take on the services of a Birth Doula about half-way through their pregnancy, but there is no set time. Some women decide to meet with a doula early in pregnancy, others wait until after their first ultrasound, and some choose to hire a doula only during the last few weeks.

When will I know to contact you once I’m in labour?
Once you are in labour you can contact me when you feel you need me to join you. Again, this happens at different points for different women. But there is no hard and set rule, if you would like me there, I will join you.

Do you meet me at my house or at the hospital?
​I can either join you in your own home to labour there for as long as you are comfortable, or I can meet you at the hospital (if you have chosen a hospital birth setting).

What will you do when I’m in labour?
Once there I will offer you options for different comfort measures, relaxation, massage, encouragement and whatever else you feel you would benefit from in the moment. I might make you something to eat if you’re hungry, or allow your birthing partner to get a bit of rest if it is a long labour. I will stay with you throughout your labour until your baby is born.

Do I see you again after the birth?
A few days postpartum I willl meet with you to see how you’re doing and help you with anything questions you have about the birth or your beautiful newborn.

​What if...

What if I need to be induced?
Having a doula with you during an induction can be a HUGE help. We know how the process works and we can help you work towards the birth you had originally hoped for, regardless of how it is started! I’ll also be providing any emotional support you might need to cope with this (possibly) unexpected part of your birth journey.

What happens if I end up needing a caesarean?
In the rare occurrence that the labour progresses to a caesarean birth, I will remain with you right up until you are walked into theatre, and I will remain with your birth partner until they are able to join you for the birth. Once you are in recovery I will be back at your side to assist you in whatever way you need.

What if I want to breastfeed?
I am trained to help you initiate breastfeeding and will be available to provide any support you need in the days after to ensure you get to whatever stage of breastfeeding that you wish to. At any time, if there is an issue outside my scope of ability I have reliable recommendations I can refer you to.

I am struggling with a previous bad birth experience, or I have experiences in my past that are negatively affecting how I feel about my pregnancy.
Not everyone approaches birth with excitement. If you are feeling this way, it’s great that you’re here looking into hiring a doula. I encourage any woman with a past experience that is preventing her from embracing her pregnancy and birth to hire that extra support which will provide her with many tools that might change her birth experience. I have personal experience in this field and many great resources as a result. If you don’t feel able to hire a doula at this time, or are still unsure, please don’t hesitate to get in touch anyway and I can hand on the list of resources to you.

What now?

I’m still not sure... how can I find out more?
I will be happy to meet with you for a no-charge, obligation-free chat about what I offer as a Birth Doula. We can meet for a coffee in your favourite local cafe or you can even call me to talk it over on 087 388 4631.

​Ok, I think I’d like to hire you. What happens now?
Once you’ve decided you would like me to attend you during the birth, you will need to sign a contract agreeing to the services I will provide. I will then organise to meet with you twice before your due date in order to discuss whatever your wishes and goals are for the birth. I can provide you with information to help you draw up a birth plan if that’s what you would like, and I can give you insight into what procedures happen as a matter of course during hospital births. I am a Professional Member of Evidence Based Birth and as such will be able to provide you with up-to-date and accurate information on things that may come up during pregnancy.
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If you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to give me a call or contact me by clicking the button below. I will try and answer any queries quickly and concisely!

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