It's hard to explain exactly what my support will look like as it will unfold in response to your needs - it's unique to everyone I work with. It will likely involve some emotional and practical support (listening can never be underestimated, nor can someone making you a snack!), as well as birth planning and sharing all my birthy knowledge. If you'd like to find out more about exactly what it's like having me as a doula, please get in touch and I can provide more detailed information or arrange a chat over a cuppa. I offer an initial hour meet free of charge - this gives you an opportunity to find out if we click, to share your story with me, and to ask any questions you need to decide how to move forward.
This is one of the most special and sacred times of life and you need a doula you feel utterly comfortable with.
You can find out more about my doula offerings below - if you can't find what you need, please get in touch!
Please also let me know if price is a barrier as I can offer very flexible payment plans. It’s always worth having a conversation!
Offerings
All of my offerings include access to resources and hypnobirthing tracks, borrowing books, and continuous support by message.
Circle offering
One of the cornerstones of my doula work is 'relationship' - building a solid relationship is vital to providing good support, which is why I generally encourage plenty of visits and contact. I am able to offer a small number of discounted places to those who regularly attend circles and could not otherwise afford my services, in recognition of the relationships built this way. Please contact me to find out more about this offering.
Feather
£1400
Three antenatal visits
Birth support
Two postpartum visits
This offering is a lighter version of my continuum one, but still provides bundles of support. The number of visits is reduced, but you still get amazing continuity with three visits after your baby makes their arrival to ensure you feel supported and are settling into your new rhythm.
Continuum
£1850
Five antenatal visits
Birth support
Five postpartum visits
This offering is born out of my training as a continuum doula and gives comprehensive support throughout your whole journey. Many people pay for birth and postpartum support separately, but in my experience having continuity all the way through is something magical.
Intensive
£2500
Six antenatal visits
Birth support
Six postpartum visits
Two flexi visits
Two massage vouchers
This offering is designed to give you comprehensive and nourishing support throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period and is ideal if you are wanting to weave in birth education, bespoke hypnobirthing, and a little relaxation time.
FAQs
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Oof this is a hard one as doulas get the absolute joy of showing up authentically and so every doula is different. For me a doula is someone who has your back and holds you as the authority on your body, birth and baby. Someone who understands birth and postpartum and what support may be needed. Someone trauma informed and able to advocate for you. You know when your friends say "is there anything I can do to help?" and you say no because it feels awkward saying "actually yes, the washing pile is horrific and I'm panicking" - well you can say yes to your doula because they are literally there to support you (and you are paying them!). Doulas are great sounding boards for the many decisions you need to make before, during and after birth and can help you unpick what you want and are comfortable with, without an agenda. They are also excellent supports for other birth and/or life partners. While any other partners may be totally fabulous supports, the likelihood is their experience of birth is limited and having someone on the team who they can also look to for support and reassurance (and can tag team on passing water and rubbing backs in labour) can be invaluable. So a doula is many things really - a counsellor, advocate, birth educator, cook, friend, woman in your community, cleaner, play buddy for older children and probably a load of other things too!
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Yes! There is evidence that shows having a doula:
reduces the length of labour
reduces the rate of induction of labour
reduces the risk of caesarean or instrumental birth
reduces the need for painkillers and epidurals
reduces depressive symptoms
increases satisfaction with the birth experience
increases the likelihood of initiating breastfeeding and establishing it
If you're a lover of evidence and research, you can read more about the evidence for having a doula here.
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Midwives provide medical care, as a doula, I don't. That's the main one! I work for you and have no guidelines, policies, or procedures I'm obligated to follow - you and your decisions are sovereign.
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Ah yes, great question. The cost factors in lots, including visits, which are usually two hours each, being on call 24/7 for potentially a month, being at your birth for as many hours as needed, the usual self employment overheads, travel, and an unlimited amount of time messaging, video calling, voice noting and providing all the support needed. I quite literally got out my calculator and did all the maths (and I hate maths) and the price is what I need to charge to make it viable for me to do this work...and I really believe in this work.
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I offer a 5% discount for referral from a previous client.
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Only you know what is right for you. The Continuum offeringis my original one and is designed to build relationship and give excellent continuity. People who have booked being unsure about the number of postpartum visits have quickly become converts, as having someone bringing you soup, giving you a foot rub, and being an emotional sounding board, always goes down well!
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I generally cover up to an hour from my home in Christchurch. I will consider travelling further afield, but this does add to the price as I charge 35p a mile for distances over 15 miles from my home.
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Nope. Wherever you choose to birth is where I'll be!
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I don't take clients with due dates within two weeks of each other and if there is any crossover in the on call period, I ensure a back-up doula has met you and is also on call to cover that 1 in a million possibility!