I'm not here to tell you how to birth your baby OR provide you with a certain type of birth. Instead, my intention is to hold a nurturing space for you to step into your Birthing Power - tapping into your instincts.
You may be wondering…
What is a birth doula?
What does a doula do?
How can they support me during my pregnancy and birth?
How is a doula different from a midwife?
These are all great questions!!!
A Birth Doula is a trained professional whose sole purpose is to ‘mother the mother.’ For centuries birthing women have been supported and cared for by women they are close to and trust during their pregnancy, birth and postpartum time.
As a doula I am not trained medically, but what I am trained in is YOU! During our time together I am fully committed to your well-being as well as your baby’s and your partners. As a Birth Doula I will provide you with my experience and wisdom on top of ensuring you feel well informed through evidence-based resources – allowing you to make the best decision for you at the time. I will provide you and your partner with emotional support and have many tricks up my sleeve to support you physically during labour.
You may be thinking, well isn’t that the midwife and doctor’s job – well in short yes, but also a BIG no. They are primarily concerned with the health of your baby and you. They cannot be 100% focused on your comfort level and emotional well-being at all times when they have the ‘medical’ things to attend to. We both play different roles, are equally as important and together can make the best support team for you.
Together we will:
Make clear YOUR vision for birth. What the mind focuses on the body can achieve! We will work through what it is you want and how to make choices that are aligned with your vision.
Birth Education – become informed on the birth process; the mind-body connection, muscles, hormones, stages of labour, birth of your placenta, the fourth trimmest and so much more!
Chat about any previous births, taking special consideration to discuss any trauma or circumstances that may impact this experience.
Practice a range of labour and relaxation techniques to assist you in feeling calm and confident, while giving labour the best chance to progress in its own way.
Discuss and write up your Birth Preferences, based on your vision for birth but also taking into account that birth can lead you down unexpected paths.
Prepare for a birth that will leave you feeling empowered and in the center of the decision making process.
Ensure you and your birth partner know your options and feel comfortable advocating for yourselves.
We will have a small discussion about your postpartum time and how you can prepare for this (if you are wanting in-depth postpartum preparation please see my PP offerings.)
After birth catch up – I will come to you when your feeling ready after birth (within the first 6 weeks.)
“Having someone attend our birth who was solely there to support me was a game changer, if I hadn't had that added support helping both my husband and I stay in our calm space I can't imagine how much longer and more challenging our experience would have been. I am so grateful Hannah was our Doula; for educating us, supporting us and changing the course of our birth for the better”.
— Mahalia
My pregnancy and birth bag of goodies at your disposal include:
My voice & proven special hand techniques for labour
Essential oils
Massage oils
Rebozo
Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum Books
Natural Pain-Relieving tools e.g., Labour comb, acupressure points
Affirmation Cards
Pregnancy & Birth Ready Package Includes:
x5 Group HypnoBirthing Classes
Birth Doula Support
x2 one-on-one antenatal Sessions (1.5 hours each)
On-call 24/7 from 38 weeks up until birth
x1 session post-birth – to debrief your birth experience (1.5 hours)
Postpartum Care Package for Mum!
My on-going support and supply of resources.
Doula Statistics:
The Myths vs Facts of Doula Birth Support
Doula Statistics: The Myths vs Facts of Doula Birth Support (thevbaclink.com)