Planning your baby’s birth, and understanding the labour process, significantly increases your chance of a positive birth experience. Birth is a key life experience that you will always remember. It will change you in ways you never imagined, and teach you things you never thought were possible. A good birth experience is about how you feel during labour and after birth. Will you feel safe, supported, respected, fulfilled, informed and empowered? You should expect to. Your birth experience remains with you forever and impacts on how you feel as new parents.

My aim is to ensure you have a safe, satisfying and unique birth experience, feeling nurtured, calm and confident.

As your doula, I will: 

• Develop a relationship with you during your pregnancy, where we can get to know one another.
• Help you conceptualise your ideal birth and develop your unique birth plan.
• Provide an objective viewpoint by balancing your emotions and needs with your clinical care advice.
• Assist you in getting any unbiased information you need to make informed decisions, without imposing my personal birth ideals on you.
• Support your decisions and respect your individuality - I will not make decisions for you.
• Facilitate communication between you and clinical care providers.
  

Labour and birth are normal physiological processes and I fully understand your emotional needs in labour. My previous experience as a midwife allows me to maintain a balanced perspective of the changing circumstances that can occur during labour. The one-on-one constant support I provide is something unfortunately hospital staff are not in a position to give, much as they would like to.

I am not there to replace your partner, but rather enhance their role. Being the sole support person, especially for someone you care so deeply for, can be daunting. I encourage your partner to be involved as much, or as little as they like.

I am aware that this is a very personal and intimate time for a couple. You will need privacy, tenderness and respect during this special time. If you feel you have been heard and your wishes acknowledged, you will feel incredibly empowered by your experience. I will do whatever is necessary to ensure this is a reality for you.

Birth can be wonderful and amazing. Plan your baby’s birth with careful thought, the strength that comes from having the right knowledge and support - and with great love.