Pregnancy doula

This service is great for any pregnant woman, but can be especially helpful for you if you have other children, are feeling particularly tired during this pregnancy or have pregnancy complications that mean you ought to be taking it easy. It is designed to help take some of the pressure off, helping you to be more relaxed and so better prepared for birth and a new baby.

What is offered:

practical support- I am happy to help out with household chores, running errands, cooking or childcare in order for you to rest for a while or catch up with other things

I can attend antenatal appointments with you as moral support and/or help you understand what it all means

we can discuss any particular anxieties or questions you have regarding your pregnancy, approaching birth or becoming a parent, or if you are just feeling overwhelmed and want a chat with someone supportive

new baby preparation- if you wish to learn more about what to expect when the new baby arrives, learn basic baby care skills such as bathing, feeding, changing etc or how to help siblings accept the new baby

we can discuss previous pregnancies or births-help you to make sense of anything you didn't understand before,  found particularly difficult or would like to avoid/do again this time.

This service is available every day between 7am and 10pm, available in blocks of between 2-6 hours. It can be a one-off or as frequently as you require throught the pregnancy.

Previous birth discussion

Some women (or their partners) feel that their last labour and birth experience was not what they were expecting. You may have found a previous birth traumatic, feel that you were completely out of control, or find the turn of events difficult to understand.

Discussing these experiences and trying to make sense if it all may reduce anxiety about the approaching birth and help create a better birth experience this time.

This discussion can take place wherever you feel most comfortable, whether in your own home or elsewhere. You are welcome to be alone or invite your partner to attend.

If you feel that you need further help to deal with this issue, The Birth Trauma Association is an excellent organisation for both women and men, found at: www.birthtraumaassociation.org.uk. Please contact your GP or midwife for further guidance to the appropriate services.

Very helpful if you are undecided about whether or not to breastfeed and feel you would like more information before making your decision, or wish to find out more about the pros and cons of breastfeeding and bottlefeeding.

If you have decided you will be breastfeeding but have had difficulties in the past or this is your first baby and you don't know what to expect, we can discuss what to expect, and ways to prepare so as to increase your chances of succesful breastfeeding.

New baby preparation