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 four sons.

I have always been drawn to the role of a doula,until doing a study day with renowned natural birth advocate, retired doctor and author Michel Odent, I'd had no idea it was a profession. I realised that the support I had always given to my friends and family was something I could do as a job. .

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 personal 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 have worked with many families in the post natal period to establish breastfeeding,

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

Birth package starting from £350

• Two pre natal visits to get acquainted with one another 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 go into labour.
• I will help you get settled with your new baby and have your baby to the breast confidently, should you wish to breastfeed.
• One post natal visit to discuss your birth, breastfeeding, any concerns and admire your new baby.
• I use a contract and ask for £150 non returnable deposit on signing the contract. Post natal support package
• £15 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.

Postnatal work is between 10am - 2pm, also 6pm - 10pm I am also available to stay over night from 9pm - 7am

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.