I love working as a doula. I have three of my own children and do understand and relate to the needs of women and their families during pregnancy, birth and beyond.

The word doula comes from the ancient Greek meaning 'handmaiden or servant'. For generations doulas have supported women offering reassurance and practical help. The doula does not provide midwifery care but does have a thorough understanding of the physiological processess and psychological impact of pregnancy and birth.

Pregnancy, birth and the early days after your baby is born are precious times and I am passionate about women and their families being able to access practical and emotional support that is tailored to their specific needs.

I work alongside the dedicated team of midwives at the birthing centre and also in the community. My role as a doula is always flexible and I am very happy to discuss your individual requirements.

Antenatal, labour and birth, and postnatal doula packages are available

To find out more about what I do or to arrange a free consultation please don't hesitate to contact me at the Holistic Birthing Centre.

I look forward to meeting you.

Doula Services at the Holistic Birthing Centre

Having a baby today can be tough because of societal pressures and the busy lives most women lead.

At the birthing centre we are keen to offer women and their families a wide choice of services that with help enable them to enjoy and experience pregnancy, labour, birth and new parenting to its fullest.

Our doulas are on hand to provide emotional and practical support before, during and after your baby is born. In essence a doula 'mothers the mother' thus enabling the new mum to relax and concentrate on her baby and to enjoy those precious early days.

Birth Doula:

Our birth doulas are trained and experienced in childbirth. They have a good knowledge and understanding of the physiology of birth and the psychological impact of this life changing event, however they are not trained midwives. The birth doula attends you throughout your labour and birth; she gives encouragement and reassurance as well as attending to your practical needs. Your doula is not there to replace your partner (unless that is your wish), she is there to support you both as a couple and to ease any unnecessary stresses.

Research suggests that having a Doula present at birth can have a huge impact on outcomes, some of the benefits include

Reduced need for pain relief.
Increased satisfaction with childbirth.
Fewer complications/interventions.
Reduced Labour time.
Lower caesarean section rates by 50%.
Higher success rates with breastfeeding.
60% reduction epidurals.
40% reduction in forceps deliveries.

Postnatal Doula:

Our postnatal doulas offer a flexible service that helps new parents ease their way through this amazing life transition. In our society we seldom acknowledge the importance of motherhood; ideally all new mothers should have the chance to rest and heal, to eat and drink properly, to feel nurtured and cared for and to be able to relinquish practical household duties so she can concentrate on getting to know her baby and can spend special time with her partner and other children. Kind, non-intrusive care and support really does make a difference.

Birth Package Includes:

'Getting to know each other' - Two antenatal visits (1-2hrs) . This gives you and your doula the chance to meet and find out about one another well in advance of your baby's arrival into the world. This also gives you the opportunity to discuss your hopes, expectations, concerns and wishes.
After you engage her services your doula is available to you on the telephone and via email. Further visits can, of course, be facilitated.
Your doula will be on 24hour call for you from 37 weeks
Your doula will stay with you throughout your labour and birth offering whatever help, both practical and emotional that you require.
This package includes two postnatal visit (1-2hrs). This gives you the chance to debrief and to 'share the experience' of the birth.

Cost: £820

Postnatal Package Includes:

Your doula is very flexible and will do her best to accommodate your needs in a way that suits your family and your lifestyle.
She may help with any or all of the following: emotional, practical and moral support; support with infant feeding; support with older children; shopping; cooking; light housework; answering calls and other tasks as required and agreed.
Postnatal Doula services are provided in four hourly blocks - morning and afternoon, with times to suit your requirements. There is three day minimum and five day maximum service per week. If clients do require a 24/7 service this can be facilitated. Please ask for more details.

Cost: £20 per hour (four hours minimum)

Night time Doula Service:

This specialist service is a 'working shift' night service. This means your doula will be working through the night to attend to your baby and domestic requirements, as per your individual needs. 12 hour shifts 8pm to 8am.

Cost: £240 per night

A written contract will be drawn up to ensure confirmation of services, reassurance and peace of mind.
All of our doulas are CRB checked and full references have been taken up.

If you have specific requirements or wish for an individual consultation please contact Lily Brownell, Doula Service Manager at the Holistic Birthing Centre
on
01606 871770