Doula Services

· Shortens first time labours by an average of 2 hours

· Decreases the chance of caesarean section by 50%

· Decreases the need for pain medication

· Helps fathers participate with confidence

· Increases success in breastfeeding

Becoming pregnant with my first child was a transforming experience for me. I began my pregnancy scared of labour and childbirth and unsure how I would cope with something which is so often portrayed as a terrifying ordeal.  Throughout my pregnancy I attended a number of classes and read a lot of books.  I came to realise that as in most things my biggest fear was of the unknown and that whilst we can’t guarantee how a birth will go we can make informed choices rather than being swept along by a process that we can not influence.  I believe that childbirth is a profound rite of passage, not a medical event (even when medical care is part of the birth).  Childbirth is not just a physical experience, but rather it is an extremely complex balance of the physical, the psychological and the emotional, an event where the sensitive hormonal system, which is particularly affected by stress, is absolutely crucial.

“Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers ~ strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength.” – Barbara Katz Rothman

Armed with this knowledge I had an empowering natural birth.  However I also became aware that it wasn’t always as simple as that and many women have disappointing, disempowering or traumatic experiences.  After the birth of my second child it was a natural progression for me to train as a Doula with Mindful Doulas and to work through Doula UK’s recognition process under the mentorship of the wonderful Hannah Robertson.  During this time I also took specialist training in Pregnancy Massage to further enhance my practice.  I am committed to a programme of Continual Professional Development, and regularly attend seminars and further training courses.  Some of the most recent ones have included Breastfeeding Peer Support, Practical Skills to Prevent and Resolve Malpresentation, Rebozo Techniques and Optimal Fetal Positioning and Aromatherapy for Birth Workers

Nurturing natural beginnings

As a mum and a professional Doula I have a broad understanding of both normal pregnancy and problems which may be associated with pregnancy.  I understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labour.  I will meet with you (and your partner) to discuss your hopes and any fears you may have.  I can direct you to a wealth of useful literature, research papers, online resources and local networks to enable you to make informed decisions and secure the care and support that you decide is right for you.  I can also assist you and your birth partner in preparing for and implementing your plans for birth.  
As a qualified massage therapist, specialising in pregnancy massage, I can also offer massage treatments as part of the package, whether this be to help reduce the common pregnancy discomforts and relieve physical stress and strain or to promote relaxation and restful sleep or to give you some extra pampering through your pregnancy

Wherever you choose to give birth I can help facilitate communication between you, your birth partner and clinical care providers and will act to nurture and protect your birth space and experience. 

During labour I provide continuous emotional support, physical comfort measures and an  objective viewpoint.  Numerous studies have shown that women who receive this continuous labour support  are more likely to give birth ‘spontaneously’ i.e. give birth with neither caesarean, nor vacuum, nor forceps.  In addition women are less likely to need to use pain medication, were more likely to be satisfied, and have shorter labours.  Their babies were less likely to have low 5 minute Apgar Scores. No  adverse effects were identified.

After the birth I can offer additional postnatal support.  This may be a couple of postnatal visits to help the new parents settle at home with their new baby, or extended postnatal support.   I can also offer help and advice on establishing breastfeeding, or even just watch over baby whilst you have a much needed nap.

What others have to say:

“I decided I wanted a doula midway through my second pregnancy.  It was important to me to find someone who not only believed that birth can be an amazing positive experience but would do everything possible to help me get that.  I wanted someone who would support me in my birth choices, who would be physically and emotionally there for me and who would guard my birthing space against any unwanted distractions and intrusions.  I immediately felt comfortable with Michaela and confident that she was the right person.  She was friendly, warm and always available to talk things through.  I had such a wonderful birthing experience with my son and I have no doubt that Michaela played a huge part in that.  I don’t remember the midwives presence very much, but I do remember feeling comforted and safe knowing that Michaela was right beside me to offer encouragement when I wanted it, to give me space when I wanted to focus on the process and to hold my hands in the final stages of birthing.  She also managed to unobtrusively take photographs of my son as he was just born, which I will treasure forever.” – Kendal, mum of 2

As soon as we
decided to invite Michaela to be our doula for the second homebirth in our family, her presence brought a sense of calm to the decisions we made about how we wanted the birth to be.  She gave us strong and steady guidance, whilst respecting our choices and we would meet regularly to talk through options – from how to prepare on a practical level, what decisions we could make about birthing positions – and even how to help our four year old son to understand more about what would happen on the day.  Michaela has a great deal of knowledge about every aspect of birthing and we felt that the information she shared gave us a huge amount of comfort and prepared us all really well. 
On the night that our baby decided to arrive, we were so grateful to have Michaela there, as I birthed my baby so quickly that the midwife hadn’t yet reached our house.  Michaela was there to support us all through the final stages and after just 3 pushes, we were overjoyed to welcome little Polly, born with her caul. 
Polly’s birth was an incredible, life-changing experience and we feel that this was in no small part down to the support and guidance offered by our lovely doula, Michaela.  I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Michaela to others considering a doula, for either home or hospital birth – I just wish we’d known about her the first time around!”  – Nicky, mum of 2

“I can’t honestly thank Michaela  enough for being my doula – having had two children already I knew that I wanted to do things my way as much as possible for the birth of my third child.  Michaela empowered me to actually enjoy the birth and was a key element in a calm and smooth homebirth.  It was so important to me to have another female present, whose role was to support me and who knew all my hopes and fears.  An invaluable support with memories I will treasure.” – Val, mum of 3

“Of all the predictions and decisions I made prior to the birth of my daughter, hiring Michaela was the best and most fulfilling decision I made.  She listened to all of my concerns, acknowledged areas where I was uncertain and provided lots of information so that I could make an informed decision.  If she disagreed with any of my decisions, I do not know, she kept her personal feelings to herself while successfully advocating my desires” – Emily, mum of 1