We are experienced and trained in all aspects of childbirth, providing information and practical, physical and emotional support to expectant women and their birth partners before, during and after their baby’s birth.

“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it!”  John H Kennell, MD

Our Birth Doula Support includes:

• Two antenatal sessions
• Assistance with creating your birth preferences/plan
• Unlimited telephone and email contact from the time of booking
• On call 24 hours a day from week 38 of your pregnancy, until your baby arrives
• Continuous care during your labour and birth, include assistance with relaxtaion; breathing techniques, movement, positions, visualisations and massage
• Assistance with your baby’s first feeding
• One postnatal session

We work independently – please contact one of us for information of our current fees

Please contact us to discuss options around payment and payments plans ~ if we are already booked we can negotiate our fee and facilitate a shared care arrangement.

We offer a free consultation for you to meet with one of us and ask questions about our service.  Hiring a birth doula to journey with you at such a special time in your life means you have dedicated care and we look forward to hearing from you.  We are really happy to receive telephone enquiries or enquiries by email and please contact us for our availability.

“300,000 women will be giving birth today. Relax, breathe and do nothing else. Labour is hard work and you can do it.”  Unknown

Testimonials:

“Having a doula was fantastic. Lisa was very friendly and approachable and suggested methods to help our baby appear. It was wonderful – we may well have given up long before. Of all the expenses of having a baby, hiring a doula was the greatest value for money by far.” Peter & Constantina with baby Nicholas

“Karen was such a star on the ‘day’. I had mentioned in my birth plan that doing crosswords might distract me during early contractions, and Karen was thoughtful enough to bring a puzzle book with her. We had fun doing puzzles, and this really helped me through early labour” Mark & Diana with baby Abigail

“We had a long and complicated labour, yet Lisa was with us throughout the 24 hour experience. Words cannot express how grateful we are to Lisa for her support and we wouldn’t hesitate to contact Lisa again.” Michelle & Quinten

“Karen was there while I was hoping for a VBAC, she gave me great confidence and it was a great investment” Helen & Bob

“Have a doula reassured us and increased our confidence that homebirth was right for us. After the birth, Lisa went out of her way to drop some painkillers in during the middle of the night.” Jo & Tony with baby Nye

“Karen was fantastic during my labour and birth. It was fairly quick and she helped support me, as soon as she arrived I felt more reassured.” New parents

“Having a doula during labour meant I felt reassured that I was capable of birthing my baby. Lisa made me feel more empowered and confident and supported my partner throughout. I would definitely have a doula next time and think all women should have one.” New parents

“I would not have had the birth experience I had without my doula Lisa. She helped calm Steve, made sure everything was in my hospital bag and massaged my back throughout each contraction. Lisa was so encouraging with her words and actions – I felt empowered and much more relaxed than I would have been had she not been there. Lisa gave us so much strength and courage to have a natural birth that it made the whole experience a true celebration.” Jacqui & Steve with baby Megan

We are committed to encouraging confidence in your body, baby and the natural birth process.  Similarly, we believe that birth partners who are confident will provide invaluable support. We also support you to nurture and bond with your new baby as you develop your own mothering skills for your new and important role.  We can be a source of information and encouragement as you care for your new baby as well as assist with general household chores.  We hold Public Liability Insurance and have Enhanced CRB Checks.

We offer a free consultation for you to get to know either or both of us and ask any questions you have.  We are happy to chat on the telephone or receive email enquiries and look forward to hearing from you.

Here are some of the reasons women and their birth partners look for the support of a doula:

• First time couples for whom birth is a new experiences and support to approach birth with confidence is required
• Women who have had challenging births previously and are looking for additional support second time around
• Women who have a complex obstetric or pregnancy history who would like support to have as normal a birth as possible
• Women without a birth partner

Research suggests that the continuous support of a doula can reduce first time labour by two hours, decrease the chances of Caesarean section by up to 50 per cent and decrease the need for pain relief.

Outcomes of having a doula:

	No Doula	Doula
Caesarean Deliveries	18%	8%
Forceps Delivery	26%	8%
Epidural	55%	8%
Prolonged Breastfeeding	29%	51%

Taken from Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth by Marshall H Klaus

 

 

DOULA! is a 65 minute uniquely intimate and emotionally charged documentary film that captures in close-up detail the practical and emotional support given by a doula to parents before, during and after childbirth.  The film features three doula-supported births (two home water births and a birth that progresses to a caesarean section) plus the work of two postnatal doulas helping new mums with their brand new babies.

 

DOULA UK GIFT VOUCHERS

Doula UK, the largest network of independent doulas in the UK, offers gift vouchers which family and friends can purchase to assist with the cost of hiring a birth or postnatal doula.  Vouchers available are £25 and £50.  The flexibility of this brilliant scheme makes Doula UK Gift Vouchers the perfect gift solution, not just for relatives of the new arrival but also for a blessingway, baby shower or maternity leave gift!

DOULA UK ACCESS FUND

Doula UK have a fund for women who have limited finances.  You can apply to this fund to cover the expenses of hiring a doula.  Your doula then provides her services on a voluntary basis and her expenses only are covered by the fund.  We have limited availability for voluntary work, so contact us at the earliest convenience if you are looking at this option.