|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home PageThe term "Doula" (pronounced "doola") comes from an ancient Greek word meaning “woman servant or care giver,” and now refers to a woman who provides sympathetic, informed and experienced lay support to a woman (or couple) before, during and after childbirth. The support offered by a Doula does not duplicate or replace the role of a Midwife. The Doula's role is non-medical and is centred around the emotional and practical needs of the woman. Ideally, a doula has herself given birth without any medication and without any intervention. She is usually an experienced mother or grand-mother. More and more women feel that there is something wrong in the current system. They meet a series of midwives for ante-natal care, they experience one or several shifts of midwives during labour and they usually meet other midwives for post-natal care. They feel the need to rely on just one mother-figure before, during and after the birth. For many reasons peculiar to our time, many women do not want to, or can't rely on their own mother for this support. The BenefitsThe acceptance of doulas in maternity care is growing rapidly with the recognition of their important contribution to the improved physical outcomes and emotional well-being of mothers and babies.
Most postnatal doulas work flexible hours to suit the family, offering practical and emotional support to the new mother (or couple) following the birth of their baby. This will help you to enjoy some of the benefits of a prolonged "lying in" period, bond with your baby and spend quality time with any older siblings. My post-natal work is about empowering and supporting you by helping with either the baby, older siblings, or around the house, and offering encouragement, suggestions and an objective point of view. Services providedThe services offered by a doula vary greatly according to the needs of the mother (or couple). A doula's role has to be flexible to fit in with the given situation e.g. the type of support needed by a first time mum will usually be different to that of a woman who has children already. Every birth is unique and therefore every woman's experience is also unique. Before Childbirth, I will usually meet with the mother (or couple) twice face-to-face, and then be available by phone, and e-mail, or for additional meetings if necessary. During Labour, I am able to offer help and suggestions on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement and positioning. I can also encourage the partner to participate in the birth to a level at which they feel comfortable, and help everyone involved to communicate with each other. My most important role is to provide reassurance, nurturing, and continuous support, and to enable you to focus on yourself rather than those around you. I usually stay with you for the entire labour, even when it is 40+ hours. After childbirth, I will follow up with a couple of post-natal visits to help you settle at home with your new baby (or babies), or alternatively, you may decide to employ me for a period of post-natal support that meets your specific needs. As a doula I will ...
Doulas also help and encourage partners, freeing them to provide more personal support. ChargesThe basic charge for a birth doula service is usually £500. Post-natal support is usually booked in advance, though you are welcome to phone me to check
availability at short notice. I am happy to discuss monthly payments or a reduced fee depending on your circumstances. |
Page last updated : 18th January 2008 CradleCare 01706 815490 |