Doula support
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Our culture is quite good at seeing to our medical needs as a birthing women It's our other needs that are too often forgotten.
I know how pivotal the experience of birth is - not just for our bodies but for our souls, emotions, relationships - and I've built my expertise in that kind of support. In many places and times, knowledgeable care about birth and babies came from within a woman's social circle. But this organic, community-based wisdom is now rare in our own societies. The few minutes your midwife or doctor can spare at each appointment isn't a substitute. Specially-trained professional doulas like me are increasingly stepping into the gap. Other carers may go home at the end of their shift, but we are there from the moment you need us 'til you're tucked up in bed with your newborn. And this support makes a big difference. Studies show women in the care of doulas have shorter labors with fewer interventions and complications; they're more satisfied with their experience; and their babies are healthier and better able to breastfeed. Right then, I can almost hear you say, but what do actually do when you're at a birth? Well, it depends. After all, 'doula' means 'maidservant', so I do what I'm asked! But here (on the right) are some examples. |
At your birth, I'll...
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The elements of my support:
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Initial free consultation. This is when I first hear your dreams for the birth and we get to see how we get along. Bring your other birth companion(s), ask your questions. Usually at a cosy neutral location like a café. Evenings or weekends are fair game. |
Step 1:
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Two action-packed prenatal sessions in your home at 36 and 38 weeks. Get clarity on your birth plan; develop strategies and skills; enjoy a guided relaxation or massage. Outside these times please explore my resource collection, including a library of books and DVDs, a birth pool, birth balls, a TENS and lots of my own handouts. |
Step 2:
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Four weeks of my time on call for you. From weeks 38 to 42, I'll never be more than a phone call, text or e-mail away, day and night. Waters break and unsure what's next? Contractions begin and you're wondering if it's too soon to head to the hospital? Is this a mucous plug? You have an advocate to turn to with your concerns. |
Step 3:
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A constant companion at your birth. When you labour, where you go I will go, whether that's home, an obstetric unit, a midwifery unit or a combination. I’ll come when you want me and I won't leave until your baby is born. Stunning birth photography included (optional but highly recommended). |
Step 4:
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Postpartum support for the fragile and precious early days — meaning help with your baby's critical first feed, a quick recommendation for a lactation consultant, chiro or pediatrician, or a long phone call in the throes of the baby blues. One more visit in the early weeks to debrief the birth, get your feedback and say farewell. |
Step 5:
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£1300
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Life-changing... literally the best experience |
I am writing to tell you about the life-changing experience I had with Laura Jansson as my doula. Laura was there every step of the way. I met her very early in my pregnancy but I knew right away that I didn't need to look for someone else. This was my third baby - with my first two I ended up having C-sections. We met with several doctors and it wasn't until Laura's recommendation that we found one willing to let me try to have a VBAC. Though I desired a natural birth I was really scared of what to expect. Laura responded with encouragement and compassion, easing my fears and comforting me in more ways than I can count. Prior to going into labor Laura met with me several times to discuss in detail everything surrounding my upcoming labor and the birth of my baby. Though this was my third baby without Laura I would have been lost. I came very close to having a C-section but I ended up having a vaginal birth: I can honestly say that without Laura there by my side this would not have been possible. This was literally the best experience of my life.
— AE, mother, doula client |
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Working with Laura dramatically changed the birth experience of our second child, both for my wife and me. Laura helped us to see that we had options at each stage of the delivery process. Moreover, she was accessible and present in our lives for nearly a month prior to the birth, and she helped us talk through the birthing process. All this preparation made the experience so much better, more natural, more intimate - exactly the atmosphere we wanted to cultivate. I found Laura's presence to be invaluable, as she actively sought my input. She offered advice on how I could better support my wife, and was even solicitous of my feelings during delivery, knowing that I was having my own complicated and powerful emotional reactions. The entire birth experience was more positive with Laura there, and I was able to be a better birth partner to my wife. I recommend her services most highly.
— MD, father, doula client |
I was able to be |
