BIRTH DOULA
“When a woman feels confident in her body, well supported, and able to express herself without inhibition, the pain she may feel can become bearable and just be part of the process. She can then respond instinctively with her own resources — including basic and accessible tools; breath, sound and movement.”
Dr. Sarah J. Buckley
Gentle Birth Gentle Mothering
Birth doula package
prenatal meetings
We’ll get deep here — these are comprehensive, informative and practical meetings. I get to know you (and your partner, if present) on a personal and intimate level, so that I am able to provide the best possible care that I can. Birth education, your birth preferences, and comfort measures in the labour room are some of the topics that are covered, among multiple others.
These sessions are approximately 2-3 hours long and can be in-person or virtual.
labour support
Once you book in with me, your estimated due date is locked in to my calendar. I am on-call for you from 37-weeks to 42-weeks gestation. However, should you go into labour before or after this time, I will do everything in my power to be with you.
I will stay with you for your entire labour, offering hands-on support, guidance, emotional reassurance — praising you and loving you up so you feel absolutely supported and safe. I am also happy to take photos or videos during labour and birth.
postpartum SUPPORT
After the birth, I will stay alongside you until you’re comfortable and settled. A separate visit will be organised within one week of the birth to delve into your experience, debrief emotions, discuss any parts you were confused by, or just want to gush about. This offers clarity, a chance to let out all the emotions post-birth, have a warm hug, and some postpartum herbal tea. I’ll offer you newborn feeding tips, postpartum care for yourself and baby, and nutritional guidance.
How you’ll feel
supported + respected in your wishes
confident in making informed choices
EMPOWERED + PREPARED TO HAVE a POSITIVE BIRTH EXPERIENCE
What’s in the package
Free, no-obligation phone call to see if we’re a good match
2 x Prenatal Meetings — opportunity for open and informative discussions on all potential options available to you depending on your chosen birth location, care providers, and desires for your birth. We touch on many topics, including;
We piece together a “birth tree,” an idea of how you’d like to birth, what’s important to you, what you’d like to avoid, how you’d like the environment to feel and more.
Hands-on practice for comfort measures, breath work, relaxation techniques, massage, and other pain relief options available.
Setting up your birth space to feel safe, secure and supported.
Benefits and risks of available medical interventions, testing and methods of birth.
Labour education, the cascade of hormones at play and how to support your body and mind leading up to, and during, your labour.
Advocating for yourself leading up to, and in the birth room.
Hidden fears, challenges and excitements about this special moment.
Natural labour inducers and comforts in the last weeks of pregnancy.
Exclusive access to a virtual library of resources, videos and downloadable print-outs
Phone & text support from booking, throughout pregnancy, and four-weeks postpartum
On-call for your labour from 37 weeks to 42 weeks gestation — I will ensure I am in-range, and prepared to meet you when your labour starts
In-person labour support at birth location, I’ll be with you for as long as you need me
1 x Postpartum visit to debrief birth and chat baby care, breastfeeding or feeding options and postpartum mama care
Resources and referrals to postpartum care in your area for lactation support, pelvic floor health, early childhood centres, and mental health support
Loose-leaf postpartum herbal tea, nipple balm from Blissful Herbs & delicious flow energy bites
Unbiased, compassionate support and guidance for this journey into motherhood
Continuity of Care - I’m here from start to finish as a familiar face, as someone who knows your story, knows your fears, and has your best interests at heart. This model of care has been proven to be one the most significant factors in having a positive birth experience
ADD ON: one week of nutritious and delicious meals delivered to your home for the new mother to encourage replenishment of nutrients & assist in recovery and healing
Total Investment — Prices From $1300 AUD
“The more proactive she is in her choices and preparation, the more steps she takes to protect herself from the status quo of the birth culture, the more likely she is to experience a Rite Of Passage that is strengthening.”
Rhea dempsey, beyond the birth plan
FAQs
I have a birth partner, do I need a doula too?
My thoughts are yes. And don’t just take my word for it, every client says the same.
A birth partner is great, and irreplaceable. They can be an incredible emotional support person for you because they know you so well! But birth requires more than emotional support. It is undeniably unpredictable, raw, vulnerable and intense.
A doula does not replace a birth partner, but rather, they work as a team, and trust me, a team is what you need. A doula helps to educate and guide you and your partner to create the birth experience you desire. With a doula bag full of techniques, evidence-based information, and experience in the birth room — a doula is able to offer unbiased support and care to both labouring women and partner.
We can also take photos, support the partner, allow the partner to take a break and set up the birth room.
Does a doula deliver my baby?
No! A doula is not a healthcare provider. They are a support person. Doulas do not replace any midwife or other healthcare provider, that is out of our scope of practice. A doula offers emotional reassurance, guidance, unbiased information, and suggestions. They do not treat, diagnose or claim to cure any ailment. You deliver your baby, and it’s up to you who is there to support you.
will a doula judge me in my decisions or try and persuade me to birth a certain way?
I offer judgement-free, unbiased support and care. That is my top priority. I am here to listen to your birth preferences and offer guidance when asked, references when requested and advice when nudged.
How you may wish to birth is completely up to you and I will support those decisions.
I will offer you evidence-based information so that you feel INFORMED in making these decisions for yourself.
it seems really expensive, is it necessary?
A woman may only birth once, or a few times in a lifetime! You’ve probably spent thousands of dollars on all of those baby items so far, but what about on YOU? You can’t plan your labour, it’s spontaneous! But you can be prepared, and hiring a doula is a key part of that preparation. All great things in life require some thought and intention.
A doula meets with you for minimum 6 hours, is there for your labour for, on average, 12 hours, and is on call for roughly 840 hours. That equates to less than $2.00 per hour based on the average doula package! Lucky I love my job ;-)
Also, put simply, yes; you’re worth every penny spent on you for this important moment in your life.
i don’t know yet… is there evidence to support having a doula?
Absolutely, there is! Here are some statistics and information on why doulas are so valuable.
Evidence for doulas (click on that link to view the entire article, or see below for quick stats):
25% decrease in the risk of caesarean; the largest effect was seen with a doula (39% decrease)*
8% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth; the largest effect was seen with a doula (15% increase)*
10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief; the type of person providing continuous support did not make a difference
Shorter labours by 41 minutes on average; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference
38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference
31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience; mothers’ risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience was reduced with continuous support provided by a doula or someone in their social network (family or friend), but not hospital staff