What Does a Doula Do?
As a doula, we are with you through your birthing journey providing you with information, emotional and physical support. We are not medically trained and therefore are not able to provide medical advice. However, we do provide continuity of care and holistic support.
We meet with you & your support team a number of times during the pregnancy to discuss various topics such as:
We meet with you & your support team a number of times during the pregnancy to discuss various topics such as:
- Birth setting options
- Diet & exercise
- Prenatal testing and options
- Birth planning
- The role the hormones play in natural labour
- Active Birth
- Natural comfort measures
- Options of pain relief during labour
- Newborn care
- Breastfeeding
- Local support services
Using the Reboso
We will be with you throughout your whole birth, from whenever you call to a few hours after your little one arrives (usually once the first breastfeed is established). We are able to:
After the birth, we meet with you at your home, as well as provide you with email support in the early weeks. Lynda has an extensive breastfeeding counselling experience and can provide you with in-depth breastfeeding support. We also provide information on normal baby behaviour, sleep issues, baby wearing, accessing local services and more.
Another important aspect of post-birth recovery is birth debriefing of your experience. Sometimes this is a fluid process and you may want to talk about your experience at different times – especially in that first year. Initially getting together with you and your partner can help this process. Journaling during that first year is also extremely beneficial. You may find that you remember different aspects of your birth differently as the year progresses. We are more than happy to meet with you “later down the track” too.
As doulas, we can also provide one-of sessions to provide information and support. We are also able to put together post-natal support packages upon request.
- ensure your birthing space is set up according to your birth plan
- use massage, reiki, pressure, heat packs, water etc as comfort measures
- use a reboso
- encourage your fluid intake
- suggest position changes, including use of a birth ball
- provide support to your partner & birthing team – including reassurance, regular breaks and ideas in helping you
- help encourage the release of all the birthing hormones to support your labour
- offer guidance with breathing, vocal sound, visualisation
- provide verbal feedback, positive reassurance throughout the labour
- discuss with you the risks and benefits of options available to you during labour
- provide birth photography (if required)
After the birth, we meet with you at your home, as well as provide you with email support in the early weeks. Lynda has an extensive breastfeeding counselling experience and can provide you with in-depth breastfeeding support. We also provide information on normal baby behaviour, sleep issues, baby wearing, accessing local services and more.
Another important aspect of post-birth recovery is birth debriefing of your experience. Sometimes this is a fluid process and you may want to talk about your experience at different times – especially in that first year. Initially getting together with you and your partner can help this process. Journaling during that first year is also extremely beneficial. You may find that you remember different aspects of your birth differently as the year progresses. We are more than happy to meet with you “later down the track” too.
As doulas, we can also provide one-of sessions to provide information and support. We are also able to put together post-natal support packages upon request.
