Helping you start parenthood feeling safe and confident
Doulas
As exciting as it is, it’s normal to be nervous about childbirth. It can feel scary and most of us have questions and fears. Cue a birth doula – a trained companion, wise and qualified in all matters of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Her role is to ease the birth experience with practical and emotional assistance, guiding you towards feeling relaxed and confident about what’s to come.
Empowering you with strength and confidence
A doula’s mission is to strengthen your sense of control and connection with the wonders of your own body. Understanding your own strength helps you trust in your natural abilities as a woman and as a mother – and when you feel less fearful, you’re more likely to have a positive birth experience. In fact, studies show that doula supported mothers are statistically more likely to have better experiences and outcomes.
Help with preparation, planning and making informed choices
Doulas meet expectant mums a few times before the due date to offer information, advice and build rapport. They’ll want to understand your feelings, goals and where you feel safest and most comfortable so they can help you develop a plan for the birth. When it comes to crunch time, whatever happens, your doula will ensure your voice is heard so that you achieve the birth experience you envisioned or as close as is safely possible.
Support with comfort techniques and advice
When it comes to partners, doulas take the pressure off and encourage them to get involved at their own comfort level. The warm relationship that develops through your childbirth education and informal chats means your doula knows exactly what makes you feel safe, relaxed and comfortable. She’ll help you intuitively during labour, suggesting positions, offering massage, aromatherapy, relaxation cues, breath control assistance, and giving you all the encouragement and reassurance you need.
Every labour and birth is different. Leaning on an experienced doula will have you feeling supported, informed and in control.
Birth doulas will help you with:
- Birth education
- Creating a birth plan
- Labour support
- Partner support
- Massage and other comfort measures
- Decisions around birthing and pain relief
- Information to make the process yours
Doulas may also:
- Stay with you after baby is born, to hold a safe, undisturbed space for you to bond
- Visit you at home to offer emotional, physical and informational postnatal support (postpartum or postnatal doulas)
- Invite you to debrief, be heard and gain closure around this epic experience.
Not what you need? Perhaps a maternity nurse or confinement nurse would be a better fit.