BIRTH SERVICES

I acknowledge that giving birth is a life changing experience and it is my desire to be a source of wisdom, support and encouragement for you as you embark on this precious journey

DURING PREGNANCY

During your pregnancy, I will endeavour to:

Meet with you 2-3 times before the birth. The first meeting is an interview and does not obligate you to use my services. If you book me, I will meet twice more so that we can become more familiar with each other and discuss your preferences for your birth ,your preferred comfort measures during you labour and feeding preparation. These visits usually last around 2 hours.
Help you in developing your birth plan.
Attend antenatal appointments with you if it would be helpful
Be available to you by phone or email to answer questions and make suggestions any time before labour begins.
Be on 24 hour call for you from 2 weeks before your estimated delivery date until 2 weeks after this date.i.e from 38 weeks to 42 weeks.
Give you top priority on my time during the on call period
Be as flexible as possible in meeting your needs.

DURING LABOUR

During labour and birth, I will:

Provide early labour support as desired, including in your home.
Remain with you once active labour has begun until you and your newborn are comfortable and settled.
Provide non-medical comfort measures (Such as position changes and massage) for labour and birth.
Liaise and with your caregivers and medical staff and keep communication flowing. If I am able I will explain medical procedures to you and help you understand information and recommendations given to you by your caregivers.
Help you make sure they are familiar with your birth plan and remind you if there seem to be deviations from it.
Offer my unconditional support, encourage you and support your decisions as well as reassuring you and your partner.
Strive to maintain a calm and peaceful birth environment.
Maintain a birth journal as allowed at your request.
Take photographs during labour, birth, and recovery if desired and time and circumstances permit.

FOLLOWING LABOUR

Following labour and birth I will

Visit you at least twice either in hospital or your own home to debrief you and your partner on your labour and birth
Share your journey with you through taking notes and journaling as desired
Share stories and photographs again as desired by you .
Assist with any minor anxieties and parenting issues.
Assist with feeding breast or formula as necessary.

WHEN TO BOOK

Ideally the sooner the better as you will want to meet several birth Doulas before booking the one of your choice, you need to give yourself a comfortable amount of time to meet them and make a decision, bearing in mind that many birth doulas are booked up for 5 to 6 months ahead. Also you will need to fit in the two antenatal visits prior to the on call period. Once you have booked and paid your deposit you can be confident that you will have top priority on my time.