Doula Work
“Motherhood and birthing new life is not a burden – it’s a gift”
Supporting and empowering mothers and families before, during and after birth is something I am incredibly passionate about. I see pregnancy as an initiation, birth as a ceremony, and the transition into motherhood and parenthood as a rite of passage.
Some of my clients have coined the term “medicine doula”.
In my work, I love combining the scientific and the spiritual. Giving fact-based guidance, whilst treating labour as a sacred ceremonial space. Considering modern research and practices, whilst strongly supporting natural birthing choices. I only take on a few handpicked clients a year that I feel a strong connection with – to assure adequate and loving guidance, and to allow for combining this sacred work with all of my other projects.
A “standard” trajectory entails an intake call, two (face to face) prenatal visits, continuous WhatsApp support, being on call as of 37 weeks of pregnancy, support during labour, as well as one postpartum visit. Additional visits can of course be arranged based on individual needs.
My Doula Journey
When I was pregnant with my son Atlas, a close friend of mine offered to be my doula. At that time, I hadn’t really considered hiring a doula for myself at all, yet agreed to have her there.
In hindsight, I cannot believe how lucky I was to receive this offer – and would honestly never even consider giving birth without a doula ever again. To me, it felt incredibly empowering to have such a strong feminine presence anchor down the space. To have her fully focused on supporting me through my birthing process. To have her help my partner, who was also incredibly supportive, yet of course also in his own process of becoming a father.
My deep gratitude for her support and presence during this most transformational moment of my life sparked the wish in me to pass on this gift to other women. To be there for other birthing mothers in the same way that she was there for me.
A few months postpartum, I started training with BiA Doula – and feel incredibly blessed to have been passed on some valuable tools and practices to safely and effectively share this work.
Work With Me
Are you interested in hiring me as your doula? Let’s have a little chat to see if we’re a match and discuss the details!
What is a Birth Doula?
A birth doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to a pregnant woman and her partner before, during, and after childbirth. The word “doula” comes from ancient Greek, meaning “a woman who serves.”
During pregnancy, a doula may help the expectant parents create a birth plan, provide information about the birthing process and childbirth options, and offer emotional support as the family prepares for the birth of their baby.
During childbirth, a doula’s role is to support the birthing mother and her partner in whatever way they need. This may include providing physical comfort measures such as massage, positioning suggestions, and breathing techniques, as well as emotional support through affirmations, reassurance, and guidance. Doulas can also help facilitate communication with healthcare providers and ensure that the family’s birth preferences are being respected.
In the postpartum period, a doula may provide support with breastfeeding, newborn care, and emotional adjustment to parenthood. They can also assist with household tasks and provide resources for additional support if needed.
Overall, a doula’s role is to provide continuous, non-judgmental support throughout the entire birthing experience, with the goal of promoting a positive and empowering birth experience for the family.
Why Work with a Doula?
Working with a doula can offer a number of benefits during the pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period. Here are some reasons why someone might choose to work with a doula:
- Emotional support: Pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period can be intense and emotional experiences. Doulas provide continuous emotional support, validation, and encouragement throughout the entire process, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Physical support: Doulas use a variety of physical techniques to help support the birthing person, such as massage, positioning suggestions, and breathing techniques, to help manage pain and discomfort during labour and delivery.
- Informational support: Doulas are trained professionals who can provide evidence-based information and resources about childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care, which can help parents make informed decisions.
- Advocacy: Doulas can act as advocates for the birthing person, helping to ensure that their preferences are being respected and that they are receiving the care they need and deserve.
- Partner support: Doulas also support partners, helping them feel more confident and involved in the birthing process. Doulas can provide suggestions for how partners can help support the birthing person, and can step in to give partners breaks when needed.
Overall, working with a doula can help promote a positive and empowering birthing experience, which can have long-lasting benefits for both the birthing woman and her family.
Scientific Findings on Benefits of Doula Support
When it comes to scientific evidence around the benefits of doula support, the “Houston” study provides some (highly) significant findings. These include*:
- Significantly reduced length of labour (ca. 25%)
- Decrease in Caesarean deliveries (ca. 45%)
- Decreased use of pain medication (ca. 31%)
- Decreased Forceps deliveries (ca. 34%)
- Increase in natural vaginal deliveries
- Decreased rate of maternal fevers
It was therefore concluded that “doula support enhances the well-being of mother and babies, leads to fewer medical interventions in the process of labour and delivery, and saves money”.
*Source: “The Doula Book: How a Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth” – Marshall H. Klaus, John H. Kennell, Phyllis H. Klaus; second edition
Get in touch!
Whether you’d like to ask a question, share insights or ideas, collaborate or just feel like having a chat – I can’t wait to hear from you!
