Doula Services
What is a doula? Doula comes from the greek word meaning "woman servant or caregiver". Throughout history in most cultures, lay women have supported one another through the journey of childbirth, however due to societal changes over recent generations, that structural support is frequently no longer present. A doula now refers to someone who supports women and their families on an emotional, practical, physical, informational and spiritual level before, during and after childbirth.
We all have different lives and unique needs, doulas aim to provide open, non-judgemental support to you and your family. Knowing that there is someone you can trust available and present can reduce stress and help the family to relax, be with the whole birth experience and enjoy it more fully.
What does a birth doula service involve? There would be an initial no commitment "get together" to have a chat and explore the possibilities of working together. If we feel to take things forward, the following is a loose structure of the support that would be provided:
My charge for the doula service as above is £800, though if you feel you cannot afford this, do not hesitate to get in touch, concessions are available and finance should not be a barrier to people obtaining the support they need. (Half the fee is paid upon commitment and the remainder when I go oncall though this is flexible.)
Post natal Doula Service
Frequently a family may choose to have some extra support after the baby is born, individual requirements vary, though as little as three hours 2/3 times a week can be very beneficial. I am also happy to accommodate special arrangements such as overnight stays. Please contact me if you have any particular requirements and would like to discuss your personal circumstances. I offer post natal support at £17 per hour (again concessions are available).
"It was lovely to have a female companion on the journey. Someone I could be very open and honest with, someone to share my fears and concerns with. Often when I met with Fiona I was feeling scared or tearful but by the end of our meeting I would feel optimistic and hopeful again. She has a very gentle but effective approach. I have such gratitude for Fiona and the tireless support she has given me through this process. She is inherently a very beautiful, warm and loving soul with a deceptive strength of character." (A, doula client)
"Thank you again for helping in every way - it made 100% difference to how I felt and how
the outcome was reached - I am very grateful" (K, mother after vbac)
We all have different lives and unique needs, doulas aim to provide open, non-judgemental support to you and your family. Knowing that there is someone you can trust available and present can reduce stress and help the family to relax, be with the whole birth experience and enjoy it more fully.
What does a birth doula service involve? There would be an initial no commitment "get together" to have a chat and explore the possibilities of working together. If we feel to take things forward, the following is a loose structure of the support that would be provided:
- At least two birth preparation appointments to get to know one another and to explore your ideas, needs and intentions around pregnancy and birth and any questions you may have. We can create an individualized birth intentions list (sometimes referred to as birth plan).
- Referencing and signposting of relevant information.
- Support and continuity of care, for instance can accompany you to healthcare professional appointments.
- Available to contact (via email, phone or text).
- Birth attendance including the following examples of physical, emotional and practical support as appropriate to your needs - relaxation and pain relief techniques (reflexology, acupressure, massage, homeopathic/herbal remedies among others), communicating with medical staff, protecting your privacy, getting drinks/meals, taking care of siblings or other practical tasks, involving partner, simply just being there or whatever else may be right for your situation. (Doula is on call 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after due date, 28 days in total).
- Minimum of 1/2 post natal visits for you to share your birth experience and to assist with any issues that may have arisen.
My charge for the doula service as above is £800, though if you feel you cannot afford this, do not hesitate to get in touch, concessions are available and finance should not be a barrier to people obtaining the support they need. (Half the fee is paid upon commitment and the remainder when I go oncall though this is flexible.)
Post natal Doula Service
Frequently a family may choose to have some extra support after the baby is born, individual requirements vary, though as little as three hours 2/3 times a week can be very beneficial. I am also happy to accommodate special arrangements such as overnight stays. Please contact me if you have any particular requirements and would like to discuss your personal circumstances. I offer post natal support at £17 per hour (again concessions are available).
"It was lovely to have a female companion on the journey. Someone I could be very open and honest with, someone to share my fears and concerns with. Often when I met with Fiona I was feeling scared or tearful but by the end of our meeting I would feel optimistic and hopeful again. She has a very gentle but effective approach. I have such gratitude for Fiona and the tireless support she has given me through this process. She is inherently a very beautiful, warm and loving soul with a deceptive strength of character." (A, doula client)
"Thank you again for helping in every way - it made 100% difference to how I felt and how
the outcome was reached - I am very grateful" (K, mother after vbac)