Menu

• What is a doula?
• Why have a doula?
• What’s involved in the doula service?
• Cost/Booking
• FAQ’s
• Testimonials
• Doula Links and News

Women have complex needs during childbirth and the weeks that follow. In addition to medical care and the love and companionship provided by their partners, women need consistent, continuous reassurance, comfort, encouragement and respect. They need individualised care based on their circumstances and preferences.

A doula’s role is to provide continuous, uninterrupted care for the laboring woman and her partner, and help them participate fully in their experience. This relationship usually begins weeks before the birth and extends into the postnatal period.

The doula aids the woman/couple by offering physical and emotional support, providing information about the birth process, the available medical technology and less invasive or natural alternatives. A doula is a complementary part of a couple’s care team, particularly for a couple birthing within a hospital setting.

Doulas improve the overall outcome and experience of women giving birth. Studies have shown that when women use a doula during labour, there are many benefits:

• 50% decrease in caesarean sections
• 25% decrease in the length of labour
• 30% decrease in use of forceps
• 40% decrease in use of oxytocin to speed labour up
• 60% decrease in use of epidurals
• 30% decrease in use of pain medications

Marshall H.Klaus, MD, John H. Kennell, MD and Phyllis H.Klaus, CSW, MFT (2002). The Doula Book: How a trained labour companion can help you have a shorter, easier and healthier birth. Massachusetts: Perseus Publishing

Studies have also shown that women who use a doula have a lower incidence of postpartum depression, breastfeed longer and are closer with their infants. Women who use a doula are more satisfied with their birth experiences, however they birth their babies.

This is because a doula’s role is to ensure that the woman is the central active participant in her birth experience, enabling her to give birth in her own way, whatever challenges present themselves along the path.

As your doula I…

• Will meet with you and your partner 2-3 times before the birth to discuss your plans and preferences, and provide any aspect of birth education.
• Will provide the information you need to enable you to make informed decisions about your labour and birth (Full access to the BirthWise library – various books, videos, DVD’s, CD’s (e.g. Hypnosis for Birth, Pregnancy relaxation) on pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding.
• Will answer any questions/make suggestions via phone/e-mail any time before labour begins.
• Will be on call for you 24 hours a day from 38 weeks, until you go into labour.
• Will provide labour support as requested, in your home and/or chosen place of birth.
• Will offer support, comfort and suggestions to your partner for helping you during labour and birth.
• Will use non-medical comfort techniques for labour and birth including massage, breath-work, positioning, movement, heat/cold therapy, birth ball, affirmations and guided visualisation.
• Will use non-medical comfort techniques for labour and birth including homeopathic remedies, Bach flower essences, and essential oils if desired.
• Will remain with you - one on one - once active labour has begun* through to 1-2 hours after the baby is born.
• Will strive to maintain a calm, private and peaceful labour and birth environment.
• Will facilitate effective communication between you and your midwife/doctor.
• Will photograph labour, birth and/or afterward if desired and time and circumstances permit (copies will be provided onto CD).
• Will document your labour and birth through a written birth log and provide a copy of this.
• Will provide 2 post-natal visits (either to your home or hospital) and assist postnatal care for mother & baby; including breastfeeding support.
• Will offer you and your baby the gift of a one-year subscription to the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

Total fee is $750.00

This fee covers:

• 2-3 prenatal sessions (up to 2 hours each)
• Email and phone support 24hrs a day until labour begins
• Full attendance at your labour/birth
• 2 postnatal visits (up to 2 hours each, to home or hospital)

I recommend we meet for a 1-hour initial consultation for you to see if I am the right person to assist you (this is a free consultation). The doula agreement outlines the doula’s role and limitations with regards to labour and birth. You, the birthing couple, and myself sign this when it’s decided I am the right person to assist you.