| |
What is A Doula?
A doula is someone who is educated in childbirth issues and experienced in labour support. A doula offers non medical support to parents during pregnancy, birth and in the post natal period. Doulas understand the spiritual nature of birth and are able to ‘hold the space’ without judgment. A doulas main role is to help ensure a positive birth experience.
What are the Benefits of having a Doula?
Doulas take the time to get to know you. Pre and post natal visits last between 1 and 2 hours and are done in the comfort of your own home. Doulas provide nonjudgmental support and a positive outlook on birth. According to research undertaken in the US, Klaus, Kennel and Klaus, authors of “Mothering the Mother” and "How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth", have identified these benefits of having a doula at your birth:
- 50% reduction in caesarean rate
- 25% shorter labour
- 60% reduction in epidural requests
- 40% reduction in oxytocin use
- 30% reduction in analgesia use
- 40% reduction in forceps delivery
- Improved breastfeeding
- Decreased incidence of postpartum depression
- Greater maternal satisfaction
- Better mother-infant interaction
The ‘Love to Birth’ Doula Experience
It is my belief that birth, as an emotional process, takes place in all people. I bring this awareness when supporting the mother, father and siblings so that the birth of the baby can be a sacred experience for the whole family. I encourage a respectful environment for new life. By helping you to access a positive space during labour, I believe that you can have a safe and secure delivery. My personal belief is that every person has a profound creative capacity to give birth.
Prenatal care (3 prenatal visits, 1-2 hours each)
- Emotional support and understanding.
- Ensure you have the information needed to make informed decisions.
- I become familiar with your plans for labour, birth and the immediate postpartum period and support you in your decisions.
Birth (from beginning of labour up until mum and baby are both settled):
- I am committed to being available to you (by phone and for the birth) from two weeks before your due date.
- Can answer questions and make suggestions over the phone and will decide with you, at what time I should come to your home or wait for further change.
- Emotional support for the labouring woman and her partner.
- Reassurance and perspective; make suggestions for labour progress and assist with relaxation, massage, positioning and other techniques for comfort (specialising in vocal techniques).
- Can mediate between labouring couple and hospital staff to ensure a positive birthing experience.
- I remain with you throughout your labour and birth.
- I usually remain with you for an hour or two after delivery, unless you are comfortable and your family is ready for private time together.
- Should the need for a caesarean arise before your due date, I can still support you though that birth experience and can prepare you for the best outcome for you, your partner and your baby.
Postnatal Care (2 post natal visits, 1-2 hours each):
- Emotional support.
- Help with breast/bottle feeding.
- Ensure you have information regarding relevant support services in your area.
- Provide home cooked meal and oversee a pre organised meal roster.
‘Love to Birth’ Doula Packages
Complete Doula Package - $1200
Birth Only Package - $700
To tailor your own package you can add or subtract pre and post natal visits @$100 per visit.
Clients within 60 minutes from Bellingen – No Extra Charge
Clients between 60 and 90 minutes add - $20/visit
Flexible payment options available. All Doula Packages entitle the client to a 25% discount on any bellycasting session.
How do I book a Birth Doula Package?
For more information, contact Love to Birth.
Phone: 0488995249
Email:
Mieke is a certified member of the Australian Doula College. She adheres to a strict code of practice and ethics. Click on the link to view the code
|
|