The thing that consistently determines whether a woman has positive emotions connected to her birth is not how she delivers, but how she was treated by those with her. I offer non-judgemental and unbiased support for all births, whatever birth that may be. My services can be tailored to meet your individual or family needs, lifestyle and cultural preferences.
Cesarean births
The presence of a doula during a cesarean birth can provide comfort, ease fears and smooth the overall process of birth. A woman planning (or unexpectedly having) a cesarean birth can benefit just as much from the presence of a doula as a woman having a natural birth.
With more and more babies entering the world through cesarean section, it just makes sense that more women should benefit from the non-judgemental support of a doula. A doula helps you celebrate your unique birth and that is something every woman needs. If you're planning a cesarean birth, you can benefit from the relationship, support, knowledge, and acceptance that a doula can show you to have the most positive birth experience.
My role in the birthing room during a cesarean birth can be keeping you informed of what is happening during the surgery so you can be more involved and aware, or otherwise accompanying your family in the lobby and help explain the process to them. Often a cesarean results from an unexpected situation leaving a mother feeling unprepared, disappointed, and lonely. A doula can be attentive to the mother at all times throughout the cesarean, letting her know what is going on throughout the procedure. This can free the partner to attend to the baby and accompany the newborn to the nursery if there are complications. Overall, I will be there to support you throughout the entire process to ensure you're never alone.
Unplanned Cesareans
Some women planning a vaginal birth can find themselves in a position where, due to unforeseen circumstances, they can deliver their baby more safely through cesarean section. As your doula, I will be there to support you every step of the way.
A doula is there to support you through your emotions, listen to you, honour your needs and be there for as long as you need.. This is one of the beautiful things about having a doula by your side – the ability to appreciate and support every kind of birth and understand your feelings regarding your birth and how important it is to you. Women deserve to have birth experiences that help them feel empowered. Adding a doula to cesarean birth is one way to help this happen for more families.
Should the need for a cesarean arise before your due date, I will support you through your birth experience and prepare you for the best outcome for you and your baby.
Natural births
The presence of a doula is beneficial no matter what type of birth you are planning. As a doula, my intentions are to help you birth with a personal sense of empowerment. For each woman, this sense of fulfilment is unique – as is every labour and birth journey.
What you value and what feels right for you will help shape our work together. My role is understanding your emotional and physical needs whilst on your birthing journey, whether that be in the comfort of your home or at the hospital. In addition to medical care from doctors and nurses and the love and companionship provided by their partners, women need consistent, continuous reassurance, comfort, encouragement and respect. Birth matters, mothering matters – as does how a woman feels throughout her experiences of both.
I am here to fulfill the needs you often won't know you needed, but are glad you had.
Medically-assisted births
Labour and birth isn’t always as we may have imagined or planned for. For any circumstance, your birth preferences may change at any given moment.
You may decide you need a higher level of pain relief to cope with the sensations of labour, or to allow time to rest and recharge your batteries. (Remember, labour is not a race, but often a marathon event!) In some instances complications may incur which may mean you require some medical assistance to help safely deliver your baby. One of the key benefits of a birth doula's service is that we provide emotional and other forms of support by maintaining a “constant presence” throughout labour. With the continuous support and care of a birth doula, you're giving yourself an increased chance of a more positive birth experience. Your support team are the people you will rely on to get you through the toughest and most intense moments.
The presence of a doula can be beneficial no matter what type of birth you are planning. For a woman who has decided that the best option for her and her baby is to accept medical assistance, a doula will provide the appropriate support throughout the labour and the administration of medications. Doulas work alongside mothers to help them deal with any potential side effects of these medications through consistent emotional and physical support.
As your doula, I can also assist you through the decision-making process about what type of birth is best for you and your baby. A doula provides unbiased information so that couples can make their own informed choices. With a doula you know, someone is always on your team. I will help you and your partner to communicate your needs and perceptions to your medical team.