Lydia Retusch-Webb - Doula Profile
Services, recognition & locations served
I cover East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey, Parts of Kent (East Grinstead, Forest Row, Tunbridge Wells, Lewes, Brighton)
Germany: Berlin, Potsdam
Doulaography
My name is Lydia. I am originally from Germany. I never thought I would leave but life had planned something else for me when I met my husband Andy. I moved to London in 2004 and continued working in the highly demanding world of Music. In Jan 2007 my first son Luc was born. It was a natural birth in hospital. For my second son Jake, born in May 2010, I planned giving birth in a birth centre. Unfortunately I had to be transferred to hospital but with the great help of my doula friend Sara, my husband and good midwives, I had the birth I wanted and deserved. Giving birth to my son's made me extremely proud of myself and was a life changing experience. I never felt such strength, pain, happiness, doubts, joy and relief before. It was my own experience of giving birth and motherhood which inspired me to help and support any mother and parents during their births and with mother/parenthood.
"The birth should be for a woman the hour of her greatest dignity" (P. Valley) Giving birth to your child is one of the deepest experiences and the memory of it will remain for the rest of your life. That's why a positive birth its so important. To be asked to be your birth doula is a great honour and I will help you preparing for birth, to find your choices for giving birth, listen and discuss your doubts, fears, previous experiences and wishes. As your doula I will give you and your partner emotional and practical support before, during and after childbirth. As a postnatal doula I will help you to find your time to settle in with your new baby. It is important that you and your new child have enough time and energy to get to know each other and can bond. To give you that space I will help with light housework, look after other siblings, give you support with feeding (breast/bottle) (I breastfed both my children), preparing nutritious food, ect. or also just talk about your birth, concerns, experience with motherhood/parenthood. The Birth doula package - first meeting to get to know each other and see if you want me to be your doula - two further antenatal meetings to talk more in detail about your wishes how to give birth, helping to write your birthplan, or if you need a rest I will help with housework or looking after other siblings - you can always call me or send email - On-call period from 38 weeks of pregnancy, from this time on I will not be more than 1 hour from your home - attending your birth at home, birth centre or hospital until your baby is born and fed and you all feel settled and save - one postnatal visit As a trainee birth doula I charge an agreed amount but not more then
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What's the difference between a recognised and a mentored doula?
Mentored doulas
A Mentored Doula has completed a Doula UK approved Preparation Course and is involved in Doula UK's Recognition Process. This means that she has a Mentor providing support and supervision within a framework for reflective practice until she has gained sufficient experience to become a Recognised Doula. A Mentored Doula's fees reflect her previous and current experience, her expenses and the going rate in her area.
Recognised doulas
A Recognised Doula has been evaluated by a Doula UK Doula Mentor at the end of the Recognition Process, as having sufficient experience to practise without on-going mentoring. Doula UK nevertheless continues to provide support for all its members.
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