What is a Doula
Childbirth is a natural part of life and women have been birthing for thousands of years. Traditionally the experienced female family members would have attended the birth in the home environment and the extended family would have supported the new mum and her family afterwards. In modern western society families are tending to be more dispersed and a Doula can provide the necessary support in the absence of close family.
Childbirth is a natural part of life and women have been birthing for thousands of years. Traditionally the experienced female family members would have attended the birth in the home environment and the extended family would have supported the new mum and her family afterwards. In modern western society families are tending to be more dispersed and a Doula can provide the necessary support in the absence of close family.
Modern life is very different to that of our ancestors and the birth experience has become clinical and women are becoming dis-empowered. Modern pain relieving drugs and drugs to induce labour can actually prolong the process and the anxiety that can develop in a unfamiliar environment with unfamiliar faces can also hinder the progress. Choices in labour can be reduced due to the pressures on midwives. Often the postnatal support can be minimal and associated with the necessary clinical checks rather than paying attention to the emotional and practical support required by the new parents. Sadly it is in fewer and fewer cases that women are allowed to embrace their bodies and let them do what nature intended.
A Doula is an experienced woman who can help you to achieve the birth experience you want by acting as an advocate for you and your partner before, during and after the birth. A Doula will offer you the support and reassurance during the whole experience that will allow you to take control of your body and allow it to do what comes naturally. We encourage a natural relaxed and calm approach to labour and endeavour to ensure this is maintained throughout. We don't carry out any clinical tasks or interventions and do not replace the midwives, but work along side them to provide continuous practical and emotional support to both you and your partner.
A Birth Doula will usually meet you and your partner on 2-3 occasions prior to the birth and then will remain with you throughout labour.
A Postnatal Doula will help you to get essential rest after the birth of your baby by helping with light household tasks, meal preparation, care of older siblings etc.
A Birth Doula will usually meet you and your partner on 2-3 occasions prior to the birth and then will remain with you throughout labour.
A Postnatal Doula will help you to get essential rest after the birth of your baby by helping with light household tasks, meal preparation, care of older siblings etc.
