Doula Services
What’s a doula?
A doula is a birth companion – a woman who supports other women (and their partners, if applicable) as they bring new life into the world. Many find this immensely reassuring, making labor more relaxed, effective and enjoyable.
Across many cultures and times, mothers, sisters, friends and neighbours have surrounded a birthing woman with their care – and perhaps it will be this way in our own societies again one day. However, for the moment doulas are increasingly stepping in where this is not possible for whatever reason, and where constant personal care from busy medical professionals cannot be taken for granted.
Although Doula UK-registered doulas like me have all completed training, a doula is a lay person, not a medic, and does not advise, interfere, judge or undertake clinical tasks.
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The benefits are tangible. Studies show that an experienced birth companion can:
- shorten labor by an average of two hours
- decrease the need for analgesic drugs by a third
- reduce the likelihood of a C-section by half and use of forceps by a third.
(Source: Klaus M, Kennell J, Klaus P (2002) The Doula Book Cambridge MA, Da Capo Press)
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What does Godsib offer?
I
treat birth with reverence and consider it an enormous privilege to be
present. At the same time, I think the arrival of a new little person
is cause for great celebration. My role during a labor depends
entirely on the unique circumstances and wishes of the family. I will
take care not to intrude on existing relationships, for example between
a woman and her partner, but will ease the pressure on any other
companions so that they can enjoy the experience and care for their
loved one to the best of their own abilities.
For previous clients I have:
- Offered the right words at the right time
- Created a cosy nest in a busy hospital ward, using pillows and low lighting
- Kept a woman comfortable at home before traveling to
hospital late in labor
- Provided soothing touch, including massage and counter-pressure
- Suggested a beneficial change of position
- Sung and prayed to keep a woman’s spirits up as she gave birth
- Given a woman sips of water and mopped her brow
- Helped to get breastfeeding going
- Lent my birth pool for use at a home birth
- Stayed with a woman while her husband took a break from the birthing room
- Driven a couple to hospital
- Phoned excited relatives and
friends, keeping them abreast of developments
- Sensitively communicated a woman’s wishes to healthcare professionals
- Cooked a first postpartum meal for a family and their midwives at a home birth
- Signposted parents to further information about their options
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What’s the deal?
It is entirely up to you to decide what level of support you would like. However, usually I would meet you initially without obligation, to see whether we ‘click’. If we decided to work together, I would hope to visit you at least twice before your baby comes, to discuss your plans and what I can do for you. I would then be on call for you
24/7 from 38-42 weeks to attend your baby’s birth in whatever capacity you desire, starting as soon on in labor as you like, until your baby’s first meal. Postnatally, I would meet with you again to
talk the experience through. In the meanwhile, I can offer you support by phone and email whenever you need it.
I prefer to discuss money with you individually, charging you according to your means. I will not turn anyone away on financial grounds, as I believe supportive birth companionship should be available to all. However, please bear in mind the commitment required of me and my own family in order to attend your labor.
I would love to help you birth your baby, and I warmly invite you to contact me with any questions.
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