What is a DOULA?

A Doula is the mother’s companion for labour and birth. Different to a partner or friend, the Doula has experience with birth and serves as a ‘knowledge bank’ for the unexpected. She provides unwavering support and can assist the mother to find positions and comfort measures that are most effective for labour. By protecting the birther's privacy and guiding partners to support, the doula creates a positive atmosphere, buffering any influences which could interrupt the natural rhythm and flow of labour.
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Benefits of having trained childbirth support
*Research shows Doulas help facilitate shorter, easier, healthier birth:
50% Reduction in cesareans
25% Shorter labour time
60% Decrease epidural requests
40% Less syntocin administered
30% Decrease pain medication use
40% Reduction forceps/vacuum
Improved breastfeeding rates
Decreased incidence of PND
Greater maternal satisfaction
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*Klaus, Kennel & Klaus (2002)
“One cannot actively help a woman to give birth. The goal is to avoid disturbing her unnecessarily." ~ Michel Odent
TAILOR YOUR PACKAGE: Pansy - Dahlia - Rose
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Discovery Call
Conversation with you (and your partner) no obligation video call to understand individual needs, relevant history and vision for birth. This is an opportunity to ask any questions and work out if we are a good fit for the journey.
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Prenatal Education, Preparation & Support
From when you engage me, I offer information, education and support that is specifically tailored to you. I will advise you of your options and give in-depth assistance to construct a 'Birth Map' outlining possible pathways to meeting your baby. I make sure you have access to the latest evidence-based research and support you in making decisions that feel right for you. I facilitate a discussion around fears, blockages and healing any previous birth trauma. In the final trimester, I give you and your partner birth preparation suggestions to practise daily as you prepare your body and mind to cross the threshold.
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Yoga for Pregnancy
Practise with me weekly, fortnight or monthly to prepare your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual body for labour and birth. If you choose to attend prenatal yoga classes, you will learn breathing techniques to regulate your nervous system, steady your mind and access your innate feminine power. I will guide you through poses for optimal maternal positioning in labour and pressure points to strengthen and relax your body inside the birthing process. Prenatal yoga can be packaged in or purchased separately.
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On-Call
Unlimited email and phone contact with me from 37 weeks to when your baby decides to arrive. I am there for you in the lead-up to birth, including attendance at any critical medical appointments, if you wish. I am available for information balancing, support and as a sounding-board to help navigate any proposed medical intervention around due date (eg. induction).
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Labour & Birth
I will be present for you and your partner from any time in labour that you desire, until your baby is born. I help create a sacred birth space and promote conditions which are conducive to physiological birth. I offer practical, emotional and mental cushioning for a positive birth experience. I am there to help advocate for your decisions and I will encourage you to connect with yourself, your partner and your baby throughout.I am in close proximity during the 'Golden Window' to help ensure you feel confident in early bonding and breastfeeding.
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Birth Photography
Depending on the length of labour, you can expect to receive between 30-50 full resolution images of your labour and birth. Have your precious new family memories captured in photo and/or video to create a lasting memory.
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Debrief & Postpartum
I debrief your experience with you as part of a birth story clearing and integration process. I continue to provide continuity of care; nourishing the mother and family into the fourth trimester. In the first six weeks, I am available for early parenting support; emotional and practical guidance with recovery, feeding, sleep/settling, bonding, baby massage, siblings and new family dynamic, all delivered through a conscious-parenting lens.
Flexible and tailored packages: you may want to include more or less prenatal and postpartum sessions depending on your individual circumstances. I can recommend a package for you. Pregnancy and postnatal yoga classes are also available.
Email or call to receive detailed package listings and discuss how I can support you to have a positive birth journey.