birth doula

standard in-person doula support
£2400

Commitment. As a general rule I work with one family a month, assuring you of my full availability, and the knowledge that you won’t have a doula who has hit burnout. 

Knowledge. Although it is not necessarily in a doulas remit to provide clinical education, I have always been fascinated by every aspect of childbirth. So for those who are interested, I can literally talk for hours on the subject.

Signposting. I make an effort to keep up-to-date with the latest research. It can take a long time for changes in practice to filter through, so being in the know ahead of time means you can start an informed conversation with your healthcare providers on the matters that are important to you.

Experience. I have been doulaing families for over 20 yrs and have attended over 300 births. I have supported a wide variety, from freebirths to planned caesareans, and everything in between.

Time. In addition to the time I spend physically (or virtually) with your family, I also invest my time behind-the-scenes: researching, training, listening, reflecting and trying to grow as your doula. Out of sight is not out of mind.

Continuity. Unfortunately very few women are offered true one-to-one care in their pregnancies and births, despite the benefits of such care being very well documented. As a doula I have the privilege to walk alongside families throughout their entire journey of pregnancy, birth and beyond.

Connection. To help build a relationship of familiarity and trust, we will have regular check-ins to discuss your experience and expectations. I usually keep these quite organic and let you take the lead on what you want to discuss. For those not sure where to start or who prefer a little more structure I’m happy to suggest talking points for you.

Family. Preparing for birth isn’t only about getting yourself into a good headspace, you will be influenced by others too. By supporting the family as a whole (partner, children, grandparents etc.) I can leave you safe to be like a Weeble (they wobble but they don’t fall down), knowing that you will be held up in your moments of doubt and uncertainty, by those around you.

Choice. I do my best to ensure all options are presented to you clearly throughout your pregnancy and birthing journey. This is especially pertinent for those falling outside of the ‘low-risk’ category or those wanting something that isn’t part of their trust’s standard protocol.

Planning. After exploring all of your options I will help you to write up a summary of your birth plan which can be used as a reference for anyone involved in caring for you during labour. In addition to this I will help you think through your feeding and post birth plans too.

On-call. My phone will be fully charged and by my side 24hrs a day from 37 weeks until your baby is born. I will never be more than two hours away from your home, and I will be prepared to drop whatever it is I am doing to support you. This period can run in excess of 800 hours, or occasionally a mum will labour before it’s even begun. It is not something to concern yourself with. I will always do my best to support you regardless of the length of gestation.

Back Up. As mentioned above, my preference is to work with just one family a month. However, sometimes life happens or a crossover of dates occurs and it may feel sensible to have a back-up doula on standby to give us all peace of mind. I am fortunate to have a wonderful community of friends I can call on in such times should the need arise. There is no additional cost for this service unless you choose to book a shared-care.

Shared-Care. This is where you book me alongside another named doula and we both do visits and share the on-call. You might choose this option if there is a significant overlap of dates and you want the guarantee of a familiar face. Or perhaps you like the idea of benefiting from two sets of experience and skills.

Birth. When the timing is right during your labour, I will join you at home. As each family is unique, so too is the way I doula for them but this is all discussed ahead of time, and of course I will adapt when necessary. I will remain with you throughout, until your baby is feeding and you are settled (usually a couple of hours after birth).

Advocacy. Being free from the responsibility of having to give you advice or follow policies, means I can be fully present without expectation or bias, while you discover what it is that you want. My sole goal is for you to feel empowered and positive about the path you carve for yourself and I will remain by your side whatever you decide.

Positivity. Good births happen when there is a feeling of safety, not one of conflict. Even if you are feeling opposed, I believe most situations can be handled with good communication and without the need to be confrontational. I do my best to create an environment where you can feel safe and cared for by your entire birth team.

Postnatal. Within the first few days of your baby’s birth I will visit you at home to see how you’re getting on. This visit is usually focused on feeding and making sure you are comfortable and well supported. I visit again a few weeks later to debrief your birth and make sure you are feeling happy and confident.