Saveria Upcraft - Doula Profile

I firmly believe that women can give birth naturally and without much help from a midwife or doctor if they’re in the right environment – the one where they feel safe and in control. For some, this may be at home, for others this may in a birth centre, for yet others it may be in hospital. It is my job to help you decide what you would like your experiences to be during labour and the delivery of your baby, and it is my job to keep your environment safe and comfortable and to do everything possible to make it all happen as you wish.
You’ll be the queen of your court and I will be your bodyguard (along with your partner/husband if he wishes to attend the birth), there to protect your space and empower you to make the right decisions for yourself, your partner and your baby. I will be a reassuring presence and will make sure that your and your partner’s wishes are honoured, wherever you are. In other words, I will be your guardian angel and your spokesperson all rolled into one.
Ultimately, though, birth is unpredictable, so my philosophy is also to be open to unforeseeable circumstances and to help you work with them and, subsequently, to help you feel positive about the experience, whatever happens.
During the birth, I will also be there to provide as much comfort as possible, which may include massage and/or help with breathing and relaxation. However, I will never make decisions or even steer anybody towards a particular course of action. I will simply make suggestions that you and your partner may find helpful. I will make no medical decisions or provide medical advice. That is the role of the midwives and doctors.
After the birth, I will be there to discuss your experience and any misgivings you may have if it did not go according to plan, but also of course to share with you all the joys of having a new baby.
I didn’t have any support after the birth of my daughter in November 2008 (apart from my husband’s, for which I am eternally grateful) and I wish I had known to ask for a postnatal doula’s help – I didn’t know they existed (I only knew of birth doulas)! Because I was at my most vulnerable during the first few weeks and months and so deeply missed having a reassuring presence around me, I am committed to helping any mother who feels she needs support after the birth of her baby – with anything. No job is too small, be it an hour or two once a week (depending on where you live) or a whole day two or three times a week. It can be practical support, of course, but also emotional support.
I tailor the support I give precisely to my clients’ needs and wishes. I offer a birth doula package, a postnatal doula package or both. I am fully insured both as a birth doula and a postnatal doula, I am a non-smoker and I have my own car. As most doulas, I offer an initial free, no-obligation consultation. I am currently undergoing the Doula UK certification process and so can offer a greatly reduced fee for my services.
 

Practicalities – Birth doula
Once a booking is made, I usually provide three antenatal visits so we can get to know each other and talk about your birth plan and what you want for you, your partner and your baby. This also includes unlimited calls, texts and emails. After the birth, we will meet one last time. If you want further support after that, it will come under my postnatal doula work (see below).
I go ‘on call’ two weeks before your due date and up until your new baby arrives. Should you need extra support before this on-call period, this can be arranged. Once your labour begins and I come to you (usually at your home, even if your plan is to then go to a birth centre or hospital), I remain with you during the whole labour (however long it lasts) and afterwards until you and your baby are settled.
The areas I cover are Oxfordshire and Berkshire, though I would consider travelling to some parts of Buckinghamshire for first-time deliveries.
 

Practicalities – Postnatal doula
As your postnatal doula, my main role will be to support you in the care of your newborn baby. If it is your first baby, I will help you in the transition to motherhood, supporting you to find your own way in your role. I can also help with older siblings, shopping, preparing meals, general tidying, light housework, ironing and laundry – whatever makes your life easier.
Having breastfed my daughter for 9 months, I can also help with establishing breastfeeding (although I am not a formally qualified breastfeeding counsellor).
Contact me to discuss the hours you require. I am generally flexible but this will depend on any existing work I am carrying out and where you live. Postnatally, the areas I cover are Oxfordshire and Berkshire only.