BIRTH & POST-NATAL DOULA SERVICES
"The journey of birth and parenthood begins with finding one's own path."
Doula is a Greek word meaning a woman who serves. She is usually older, has experienced childbirth herself, and now accompanies a younger woman in labour to help insure a positive and transformative birth experience. The pregnant woman's needs are her priority. A doula works for the client, not a care provider or hospital. A doula does not perform clinical tasks such as blood pressure or foetal heart rate monitoring; she does provide physical, emotional and educational support for communication with the medical staff.
Someone who:
A doula is a professional care provider who understands and trusts the process of labour and birth. A doula provides continuous, uninterrupted care for the labouring woman. She offers physical, emotional and practical support throughout pregnancy, birth and post-natally.
If you are expecting and don't have extended family on hand (mother, mother-in-law, sisters) or if you prefer not to have to rely on them at this time; if you want to look after your baby yourself, but would welcome support from an experienced mother then it is time to call a doula.
Women helping women through birth is an ancient practice but it appears that, these days, women no longer always have one-to-one support from midwives during pregnancy and birth.
This can have a dramatic affect on a woman's confidence and is why continuous care through pregnancy, labour and birth is invaluable.
Corinne's Doula Philosophy:
I AM THERE TO HELP AND SUPPORT YOU AND WILL DO SO WITH A BIG SMILE!
Pregnancy is a sacred time of transition for a woman from being an individual to becoming a mother.
Women have a innate wisdom to labour and deliver their babies.
Women should be honoured as their bodies create new life.
Massage encourages the connection between the mind and body, which is so vital during labour and delivery.
Maintaining a peaceful and positive atmosphere around the labouring woman enhances the birth process.
Personal Statement from Corinne Baker (ITEC, IIHHT)
As a Birth doula, my goal is to give each woman and family the unique and
individual support they need in order to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth
experience. I draw on my knowledge and experience to provide emotional, physical
and practical support.
Knowing that I can help to facilitate feelings of physical comfort and emotional well-being in these women during such an important time in their lives is wonderful
I know that no two women experience labour and birth in the same way. As a doula, my role is to accompany women as they experience the intensity of labour and birth, helping them to navigate through the many unexpected twists and turns that often arise through the process and to fully support each woman and her partner in any decisions they make along the way. I consider it a great honour to be invited by women and their partners to share in this powerful and vulnerable life-changing experience.
I am a fully trained and insured Aromatherapist, Reflexologist, Reiki Master and Crystal Healer. Post-natally, I can offer you some wonderfully relaxing treatments in the form of an Aromatherapy or Swedish Massage, Indian Head Massage, Reflexology, Reiki or Crystal Healing. I can also teach you and your partner how to safely give your baby a full body massage as I am a fully trained and insured Baby Massage Instructor.
What does a Birth 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 has to be 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.
Before Childbirth the doula will usually meet with the mother (or couple) at least once face to face, and then perhaps be available by phone or for additional meetings if necessary.
During Labour the doula is able to offer help and suggestions on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement and positioning. The doula can also encourage the father to participate in the birth to a level at which he feels comfortable. The doula's most important role is to provide nurturing, continuous support and reassurance.
After Childbirth the doula will follow up with a couple of postnatal visits to help the new mum settle at home with her new baby, or alternatively, the mother may decide to employ a postnatal doula for a period of 6 - 8 weeks.
What services does a Postnatal Doula offer ?
It will vary according to the mother or the family's wishes. The services include moral and practical support to the mother and family. The doula will help with breastfeeding, the housework, older siblings and baby of course. She will encourage the mother to care for herself as well as the baby. The doula can do some food shopping, prepare tea/dinner, make school runs,... A bit like if the new mother had her own mother there for a few days after the birth - to give support and help around the house.
Postnatal doulas are usually far
more flexible than other (hired) postnatal support and will help the mother in
the tasks that she needs most.
She will work for you and your family by
the hour. As every situation is different, together you will discuss how she can
best help you as a postnatal doula. The sessions will usually last between 2 and
4 hours and can even be in the evenings or on Saturdays. In some cases doulas
will also work nights.
When should you contact a doula?
Anytime really. You can contact a doula before being pregnant to discuss the services offered or a few days before your expected delivery.... And anytime in between. For postnatal work, you can of course contact her as soon as you have had the baby (though she may already be booked so it is best to book early). Contracts and appraisal : Before you hire a doula, you will be discussing the service that you need and will be offered. A contract might be signed. Once the doula has completed her assignment she may give you an evaluation form that you may choose to fill-in. She can also offer an evaluation form to the midwife or health visitor (for postnatal work) in order for them to also voice their views on her work.
Please call us if you want to discuss prices - click here
Postnatal massage comment:
"After a very long labour and caesarean birth my body felt broken in so many ways. Having a post-natal massage a few weeks after the birth helped me start putting the pieces of my body back together. I wish I had done it sooner."
I really enjoy Corinne's massage work and overall presence. She is gentle, yet strong, focused and centred. She is attentive, but not overbearing. Her hands show all of these characteristics in the way she touches, listens, and is responsive to my needs without me saying anything."
