Awaiting the arrival of your baby and the anticipation of labour can be a mix of feelings - uncomfortable, exciting, and sometimes even scary. As a birth doula, my mission is to support you in achieving the birth experience you desire, whether it takes place in a hospital, at home, or in a birthing centre. From the beginning to the end, I'll be there by your side with no judgement.
While we cannot fully control the birthing process or predict every detail, we can take charge of our mindset and strive for a positive birth experience, regardless of the outcome. Research highlights the profound and long lasting impact that labour and birth can have on the health and emotional wellbeing of parents, babies, and the wider family. Positive childbirth experiences can influence parents' self esteem and success in parenthood as well as be an effective prevention of trauma and postpartum depression.
Strategies that shape a positive experience include support and birth preparedness. My role is to ensure that your birth plan is adhered to as closely as possible, advocating for your preferences and creating an environment where you feel supported and empowered throughout.
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Role of a birth doula:
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Emotional support: Helping with various emotions that may arise during the birthing process. Including a continuous calming and reassuring presence throughout.
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Physical support: Comfort measures including massage, breathing techniques and position suggestions to help with comfort levels. This also includes partner guidance and encouragement so they feel involved and helpful during childbirth.
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Informational support: Discuss and understand medical procedures, interventions and available options including possible outcomes. Enabling informed decision making, comfort and empowerment.
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Advocacy: work alongside midwives and other health professionals to ensure parents' birth wishes and birth plans are met (important to note doulas do not medically intervene or provide any medical advice).
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Continuous presence throughout the labour process.
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Postpartum support - making sure you and your baby are settled and adjusted.
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