So....why am I a doula?
Since becoming pregnant with my first child I became fascinated with everything bump, birth and baby related from nutrition to the science of developing babies and placentas! I have personally experienced a hospital birth, homebirth, transfer from home to hospital birth and 2 miscarriages. I have breastfed, expressed, bottle fed and breastfed a whole lot more!
During pregnancy with my second child I met a doula and felt it was a perfect fit for me. I trained with Nurturing Birth, 2008 then joined the Doula UK mentoring program, becomming fully recognised July 2010.
I decided to take this a step further and started a midwifery degree September 2021. Halfway through the course, and after a lot of deliberation I decided my roots were with doulaing. I feel with this role I can fully support more women and families in a way that they deserve and I feel happy with. So here I am, back doing what I love, in a non-judgemental, respectful, kind and compassionate way.
Previous Experiences
- Physiological Birth
- Assisted Birth
- Water Birth
- Homebirth
- Freebirth
- Cesarean Sections
- Twin Birth
- Breech Birth
- Hospital Transfers
- Hypnobirthing
- Accupressure
- Aromatherapy
- Rebozo
- Miscarriage Support
- Birth Trauma Counselling
- Placenta Art, Essence & Encapsulation
- BabyCalm
- Postnatal Support
What can I do for you?
Everyones journey is personal and unique so a one size package does not fit all. It is also based on your own wants, wishes and any previous experiences. Therefore, initially I offer free chat/meet (virtually or in person) so we can identify what support is required.
This could be -
- full information, education, and preparation via in-person or remote antenatal sessions with an aim to build knowledge and confidence regarding pregnancy, labour and birth, minimising any fears.
- talking through any previous traumas or experiences.
- those with children may not feel the need of antenatal education, therefore any meetings prior to labour and birth could be getting to know each other and going through birth preferences.
- attending occaisional hospital/midwife visits
- discussing hospital/midwife visits
- supporting partners by providing ideas of how they can help during pregnancy, labour, birth and with a new baby, afterall it is their journey too!
- meditation, relaxation and calming techniques
- physical, practical and emotional support
- feeding support
- new baby support
- family support - light household duties, cooking, looking after other children etc
What I do NOT do!
- Tell you what to do - I can give information based on evidence but it is important to always do what feels right for you
- Provide medical advice
- Intervene medically in any way
- Breech confidentiality
- Take over the main birth partners' role - infact the aim is to enhance it
Costs -
I am a 'Your Budget Doula'. Due to varying needs and personal budgets I am happy to work out what I can offer you based on what you can afford. I believe everyone deserves some form of support whether it be full antenatal and birth packages where I attend your birth, virtual antenatal sessions to prepare you and partner for labour and birth or one session to guide you in the right direction.
That said, this is my living so I expect people to be fair with me.
I can also offer monthly payment plans at no extra cost.
So, if you would like a chat or have any questions then please do get in touch,
Emma xx
