Birth & Postnatal Doula serving Gloucestershire and surrounding areas

Why hire a Doula?

The role of a doula is to provide evidence based information, not advice, and with no agenda, to help you make informed choices which best suit you and your family. We also provide practical and emotional support throughout your pregnancy, during labour and postnatally.

“Having Kit as a doula was the best money I have ever spent and will spend.  I enjoyed my birth and my health was kept on the level through having a doula. Having a familiar face present throughout to help me navigate the complexities of the NHS was a godsend.”

Birth

A doula supports the emotional needs of a woman in labour in a nurturing role.

We help and encourage the mother to deal with labour as best she can.

We assist women and their partners in preparing for and carrying out their wishes for the birth of their baby.

A doula can provide physical comfort measures.

We aim to minimise distractions.

The doula facilitates communication between the labouring woman, their partner, and the medical care providers.

We assist in getting women and families the information they need to make choices.

Doulas do not give medical advice, undertake examinations, or perform any clinical tasks.

We do not make decisions on behalf of the woman.

Postnatal

Doulas support new mothers to find their own way of mothering.

We offer education and physical and emotional support following the addition of new baby to the family.

We can assist with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation and light household tidying.

Doulas can help you manage emotional adjustments and transitions and support you in recognising if you need further mental health support. We are here to offer you space to talk about how you are feeling.

Your doula will signpost you to evidenced based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents.

We can also signpost to professional agencies when necessary.

The Doula Effect

More likely to have a spontaneous vaginal delivery

More likely to have a shorter labour

More likely to be successful with breast feeding

More likely to have a higher regard and increased sensitivity toward your newborn baby

Less likely to give birth by caesarean section

Less likely to give birth with vacuum extraction or forceps

Less likely to need any analgesia or anaesthesia including epidurals

Less likely to be dissatisfied with or negatively rate your birth experience

Less likely to develop postnatal depression

“Kit protected my birth space and supported my husband  so he could support me to the best of his abilities. Through Kit's composure and her bag of tricks we were kept calm and relaxed in what would have otherwise been an incredibly stressful and potentially traumatic birth. Kit managed the scene, melting into the background, providing sachets of honey for energy, gentle birth position guidance and empowering support to my husband.”

“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it”

John H. Kennell, MD

Doula Packages

I am currently mentored whilst I serve my first families in a doula capacity. This means I have the support of an experienced doula and you get two lots of experience for the price of one. Although I am newly set up as a doula I have been supporting women in the perinatal period for the last 4 years in my previous NHS role and have a wealth of experience and passion. I am an expert in perinatal mental health and postnatal twin care. Whilst I am mentored my birth packages are at a reduced price, all I ask it that you fill out a feedback form in return.

    • We will have a free initial meet to assess our suitability to each other and for me to answer any questions about how I can support you and your family specifically.

    • Throughout your pregnancy I will be on hand to offer support and guidance via whatsapp or email.

    • We will meet twice for around 2 each time to consider your plans for birth.

    • I will accompany you to the home birth hub or a ward visit.

    • I will be on call for you from 10 days before your EDD to two weeks after, you will be able to call me any time day or night if you believe you are going into labour and we will make a call about when I will come to you. I will support you throughout your labour until you and baby are settled.

    • I will then offer a postnatal visit within the first two weeks

    Birth packages from £800 whilst mentored.

    Included in my birth package is a complimentary space in my mother and baby circles when you feel ready.

  • This package includes everything in the birth package except I won't be on call to attend your birth. You will have access to me over text or phone during labour if I am available. I am able to offer this service online for those outside of my area.

  • Postnatal hours are spent in your home, I am able to help with anything and everything within reason. I will provide emotional, practical and informational support to you and your family, help with baby care and look after baby while you get some rest or sleep. I offer company and guidance. I can cook, do light housework, care for older children and help with school runs, I can also care for and walk pets.

    Overnight support available.

    I am able to offer both regular hours and adhoc support during times of illness or a parent being away. Just reach out to find out how I can help.

    Postnatal hours are from £30ph can be booked in blocks of ten hours and minimum time per visit is 3 hours if within 30 minutes of churchdown or 4 hours if over 30 minutes plus expences.

    Included in my postnatal package is a complimentary space in my mother and baby circles.

  • I can provide nutritious meals tailored to you

    prices and details on request

Get in touch