Stop press - As maggie is due to have her fourth baby in June she is not taking any Doula clients for the time being

Having worked with many women to help them have a positive birth experience, I have decided to bring myself one step closer to birthing women, by offering me services as a birthing Doula.

"Doula" (pronounced "doola") is a Greek word meaning "woman servant or caregiver". It now refers to an experienced woman who offers emotional and practical support to a woman (or couple) before, during and after childbirth. A doula believes in “mothering the mother” - enabling a woman to have the most satisfying and empowered time that she can during pregnancy, birth and the early days as a new mum. This type of support also helps the whole family to relax and enjoy the experience.

Birth doulas are trained and experienced in childbirth. They have a good knowledge and awareness of female physiology BUT the doula is not supporting the mother in a clinical role - that is the job of the midwife/medical staff.What does a Doula do? The services offered by a doula vary greatly according to the needs of the mother-to-be / parents-to-be. A doula's role is flexible to fit in with the given situation e.g. the type of support will differ for a first time mum to that of a woman who has children already. Every birth is unique and therefore every woman's experience is also unique.

As childbirth has moved from home to hospital, a vital element of care has been lost from the whole process. Gone are the days where a woman would have continuous support from one carer throughout her labour. It used to be the case that the womenfolk within the immediate and extended family (mothers/sisters/grandmother etc...) would be on hand to provide the nurturing role for the new mother, to guide by experience and help with the practicalities that need to be performed before, during and after a woman gives birth to a baby.

Later the concept of the community midwife developed, but due to lack of resources, this service is steadily declining in many areas.

Nowadays many women feel that they have to be in hospital to give birth to their baby where it is much more likely that a birth will be medically managed and intervention methods, such as Caesarean section or forceps, will be used. RESEARCH has shown that having a doula present at a birth ;

• Shortens first-time labour by an average of 2 hours
• Decreases the chance of Caesarean section by 50%
• Decreases the need for pain medication
• Helps fathers participate with confidence
• Increases success in breast-feeding

Findings from "Mothering the Mother"
Klaus, Kennell & Klaus, 1993 

Before Childbirth, I will usually meet with the mother (or couple) two times face-to-face, and then be available by phone or for additional meetings if necessary. These meetings may include discusing your birth plan, coming on a tour of the hospital, meeting your midwife, talking through fears and concerns, Hypnosis sessions.

During Birthing,  - Once you are in established labour, I will come to your house, or meet you at the hospital / birthing centre.  I will then stay with you throughout the birthing until you are feel ready for me to go home. Throughout the birthing I am there to give you and your partner emotional as well as physical support, and to be your spokesman with the medical team.  I offer help and suggestions on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement and positioning. I encourage the father to participate in the birth to a level at which he feels comfortable. My most important role is to provide nurturing, continuous support and reassurance.

After childbirth, I provide 2 postnatal visits to talk through the to help the new mum settle at home with her new baby