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Congratulations on your pregnancy!

 

Every woman remembers their baby's birth.  My own lovely 81 year old mum remembers all of her 5 births, in great detail.  She can clearly remember what happened, who was there, and how she was made to feel.

 

By having a Doula, you increase the chance of making your baby's birth a positive one.  An experience you can look back on and feel good about.  Giving birth can be one of the most powerful and defining experiences of a woman's life.

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Birth is such an incredible time for mum, baby and birth partner.  A time when you're faced with many decisions, options and questions.  This is a time when you need as much support as you can get.

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You might choose to birth in a hospital, at home, or in a birth centre, or in the forest....wherever you choose to birth, having continuous emotional, physical, practical and informational support, helps you to feel empowered, supported, and safe.  My job, as a doula, is to create and maintain that warm environment.

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" Miranda was a phenomenal presence for us during our birth. She was an additional layer of gentle, caring support, adding different positions/techniques/calming words that truly helped me through the whole process. It also helped me to know that my husband had someone else there supporting me."

- Shelley & Richard - Amsterdam

What does a doula do?

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• As a doula, I will meet with you during pregnancy, and talk with you (and your partner) about your birth preferences, giving you space to talk about your fears, your worries, your dreams and your wishes

• I will help you to understand your birthing options, answering any questions you might have, help you to understand the birthing process, and assist you in writing your birth preferences (birth plan), and help you to stick to your preferences during birth

• I will show you lots of birth positions and comfort measures we can use during birth

• I am there for you and your partner without judgment. I will allow you the space to just be yourself, to help you in your special journey, with empathy and compassion.

• I will be with you continuously throughout your birth, no matter how long it takes, to give you emotional support, physical support (whether that's hugging, holding your hand, massage, rebozo), suggesting some changes of positions to help, encourage effective breathing, etc.

• I will encourage and assist with communication between you and your midwife and medical staff

• I will be a calming influence, holding the space for you, and keeping your environment safe and relaxed during your birth, and support you in your decisions

• I will support your birth partner, and also show him/her ways to comfort you during birth, or just be there for them too, and help them through their worries or concerns

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What a doula DOES NOT do?

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• I will not take over your birth.  This is your special time, and I will be a quiet, supporting and nurturing presence

• I will not step on your partners toes.  Some birth partners worry that having a doula will feel like their job is redundant, that the doula will take their place.  Actually the opposite is true.  As a doula I can enhance your partner's role, guide your partner, and show him/her tips on how to support you, all the while giving them support too, and taking the pressure off a little, so they can nip to the toilet without feeling guilty

• I am not a medical professional.  I will not be helping the midwife or medical staff.  I am there for you

• I will not leave your side during birth (unless to use the toilet!)

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Why have a doula?

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There have been many studies into this.  But apart from helping you feel supported, empowered, and relaxed, having a doula can result in:

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• 50% fewer caesarean sections

• 25% shorter birth duration

• 60% fewer requests for an epidural

• 40% less use of pitocin / syntocinon - synthetic oxytocin (induction or 'speeding things up')

• 30% fewer requests for pain relief

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Having a doula can help you a achieve a positive birth experience, one where you feel totally supported and nurtured.  One where you feel like you're being listened to.  A doula will help you feel like a birth Goddess!

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My Doula Services

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As your doula I offer support that is completely adapted to meet your individual needs and requirements.  

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First of all, we would meet for a FREE initial meeting/consultation.  This is a chance for us to get to know each other a little more, and find out if we make a good match.  Maybe we can meet for a tea or coffee for an hour, where we can discuss:

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• What are your hopes for your baby's birth

• Why would you like a doula?  How would you like me to support you and your partner?

• Ask me any questions you like (find out about how I can support you)

• Discuss anything you feel you'd like to talk about

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My packages

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All of my packages include: a free introductory meeting, 3 prenatal visits (of approximately 2 hours each, in the comfort of your own home) to discuss your wishes and preferences, any concerns you might have, help to write a birth plan, tips for partner, relaxation, partial massages, comfort measures, positions etc.  24/7 on call from 3 weeks prior to and 2 weeks following your estimated due date, continuous birth support until 2 or 3 hours after birth, the option of photos/videos of birth, if desired, unlimited support by phone/text/email/WhatsApp, and 1 postnatal visit (of approximately 2 hours, in the comfort of your own home) to share reflections on your birth, debrief, and check on your recovery.  Back-up doula fee is also included.

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*All of my doula clients can rent my birth pool, birth ball, rebozos and books, free of charge

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