Role of the Doula
The role of a doula is a caring female presence, a mother to the mother, fulfilling the need a mother has to feel safe and secure. In the past this role would have been taken by the mothers own mother or other close female relative, but today society has changed and there has become a need for a doula.About Me
I live in Enfield, North London with my husband Suleiman and three sons born 1995, 2000 and 2003. My children were born in Chase Farm hospital, I had 2 natural births when I used, relaxation techniques, warm baths and gas and air to get through contractions and one induction and epidural.I have always been drawn to the role of a doula, until recently I had no idea it was a profession! As the oldest of five siblings and mother of three I have had years of child rearing experience and love being with and caring for children and babies. I met a doula at a home educators meeting and she told me about Doula UK and explained the training process, and invited me to the Doula UK AGM where I met lots of wonderful doula's and realized this is the profession for me.
All my children's births were positive and empowering experiences for me, though knowing what I know now about the needs of a woman during labour I can see how things could have been improved.I breast fed my babies for varying amounts of time from two weeks to two years, so I have years of breast and bottle feeding experience and though I know breast milk is the best food for a baby I understand that every woman has to do what is best for her and her family.
I believe every woman can achieve a positive birth experience, and feel confident and in control as much as possible, it is my aim to enable women to make informed choices.
My Experience
I successfully studies under Dr Michel Odent and Liliana Lammers on the Paramana Doula Course in 2006.
I have personal experience of
- Years of Successful Breastfeeding
- Bottle feeding
- Teenage pregnancy
- Natural Birth
- Induction with Epidural
- Post Natal Depression
- Caring for a child with sever eczema and allergies.
Costs & Packages
I am currently a Doula UK trainee doula and my charges reflex this.Birth package £150.00
- Two pre natal visits of 1 hour to get acquainted with each other and discuss your pregnancy, previous experiences, nutrition, concerns and build a birth plan.
- Unlimited emails, text and phone calls.
- I will be on call from the 38th week of your pregnancy until you want me with you and will stay with you until you are settled with your new baby and have put your baby to the breast confidently.
- One post natal visit to discuss your birth, breastfeeding, any concerns and admire your new baby.
- I use a contract and ask for £50 non returnable deposit on signing the contract.
£10 per hour with a min of 2 hours per day and travel expenses.
The postnatal period can be hectic for everyone in the family.
I will help you work with your baby and find their routine and sleeping patterns.
- Establish breastfeeding.
- Care for you so you can care for your baby.
- Do light housework and look after older siblings, while you bond with baby.
- I can also watch baby while you catch up on sleep or have a relaxing bath.
Useful Links
Findings from "Mothering the Mother" Klaus, Kennell & Klaus, 1993- Shortens first-time labour by an average of 2 hours
- Decreases the chance of caesarean section by 50%
- Decreases the need for pain medication
- Helps fathers participate with confidence
- Increases success in breastfeeding
A doula doesn't perform any clinical tasks (take blood pressure, do vaginal examinations etc) the doula is there for you, the mother, to care for you and see your needs are met.
A postnatal doula will be there do to the day to day tasks that would otherwise take you away from bonding with your baby and assist you so that you can catch up on rest, or will watch your baby while you spend sometime with older siblings.
A doula makes life with a baby easier.Contact Me
Contact Information
