Hiring a doula to support your birth and your postpatrum period is becoming increasingly popular nationwide, but I have noticed a huge increase in population here in Shropshire. We have a beautiful cuddle (that's the plural, how cute right?!) of doulas working across Shropshire and I am so proud to have my name side by side with each and every one of them.
Now, I know I'm biased, but the research is out there. A doula will assist in:
shorter labours
fewer complications
reduction in caesarean procedures
reduction in Pitocin use
reduction in epidural requests
reduction in other medical interventions such as use of forceps
There is overwhelming evidence that doulas have a positive effect on birth outcomes and benefit mothers directly:
increased satisfaction with birth experience
less postpartum depression
shorter hospital stays
increased success of breastfeeding
So what can a doula do for you?
Well, I love this question because, what I do, is so dependent on the family that I am working for but obviously, there are commonalities. A doula will most definitely support you to prepare for your birth and the early postpartum. I don't specifically work in offering antenatal education, but my support is there, I can share evidence so you can make informed decisions as well as accompanying you to appointments and helping to set up your birth space. Setting up your birth space may mean more than the physcialities of that, it can mean preparing your mind and soul for the transition that is about to arise. I am very much a soulful practitioner and I think that really comes through when I am working with birthing people.
My most used skill as a doula is listening. I make the most useful sounding board because I'm impartial, I'm there to support you and you only and have no expectations or judgments about where you birth, how you birth or whatever methods you choose to support you in that process. I'm a blank canvas here to create the art that is your journey right alongside you.
Discussing previous birth experiences may be quite helpful, in fact, I offer this as a separate service to those who aren't my clients. I call those session Unfold Sessions as I believe it is the unfolding of our stories that help us to step into the next part of our journey. You can book them under the Services tab on my website which is www.weavingways.co.uk.
During the birth itself, I offer continuous support to both you, as the birthing person, and your birthing partner. This can be emotional support or very practical support too. I will be a continuous presence throughout your labour and birth. Many people find this comforting. There is no changeover of staff for me. I am there from the beginning, right the way through until the time feels right for me to step away post your birth.
As a Birth Doula my aim is to instil you with confidence and trust in your body, to provide you with information to make informed decisions about your care and to continuously support you during your birth so that your experience is a positive one, which you will look back on with happiness, pride and satisfaction.
As a Postpartum Doula I work flexible hours to suit your family and circumstances to offer practical and emotional support in your home following the birth of your baby. My aim is to ensure you are feeling supported as you adjust to motherhood/parenthood whether that is for the first time, or the seventh, it really doesn't matter. Becoming a mother, each time, comes with its own unfurling.
You need deep nursing. You need those who can hold you through it all, not pull you our of it. It is not a doing, but it is a being. The realm of healing and holding is slow and it is soft. And when energies run high and nervous systems go a little haywire, it is those with grounding presence who will bring you back down to earth. Having a doula is the best decision you will make for your birthing and postpartum care.
If you would like doula support, have a look at what I have to offer by looking under the Services tab on my website. www.weavingways.co.uk.
Image of me on the way into a hospital birth at 4am on a bright July morning <3
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