Birth and Postnatal Doula
Do you instinctively feel that the transition from maiden to mother is deeper and deserves more respect than the world generally acknowledges?
Do you want this significant rite of passage to be honoured for the physical, mental, emotional and soul altering journey that it is?
Do you have a healthy disrespect for patriarchal models of "care" and know that you have more knowledge about your own body and spirit than anyone else will ever have, but feel you need support to be able to delve into that knowledge so that you can freely and clearly express your needs?
If so, then welcome - I would love to join you on your transition to motherhood, whether it be for the first or fourth time.
Womb Service doula support is where the sacred melds with science to ensure a positive, transformative experience where you and your baby will be held and treated with reverence.
Choosing a doula ensures you have a trusted ally providing continuity of care in an often fractured maternity system. The birth of a baby should be a positive, sacred, honoured experience for mum, partner and bub. I do not replace your chosen care provider but work alongside them, often translating "medspeak" to ensure you have unbiased information with which to make informed decisions.
I definitely do not replace your partner - they contributed to the energy of getting bub in and that energy is needed to help bub come out! Your partner's role is to focus on you and up the oxytocin (the love hormone) in the room. They can't do this effectively if they also need to manage the environment, run interference and be in their head rather than their heart. Part of my role is to support them to support you.
The information, physical and emotional support I provide gives you the space to focus on going within to access the innate power and ability you have to give birth.
I'm guessing if you've landed here then you're familiar with what a doula is and does but if you're looking for more information or some details for your partner/family then read on
Want to know more about me? Check me out here
How do we work together?
I choose to focus on one to two clients a month to allow me to get to know you at a deeper level and minimise the risk of clients going into labour at the same time!
The role of a doula is diverse and is adapted to the individual needs of clients. Below is a guide of what to expect but I'd love to discuss your particular needs and offer a 15 minute "can I be of service to you" chat so that you can decide if you'd like to move forward.
After a chat, we meet for a no-obligation mutual interview to see if we would be a good fit. If so, our time together progresses depending on the package you choose but as a minimum is as follows:
- Two in-depth antenatal sessions of approximately 3 hours each where we discuss your birth wishes, envision your ideal birth experience, explore any fears or blocks around birth and early parenting, create a postnatal, as well as a birth plan and explore numerous tools and techniques including mindfulness and pain coping strategies.
- An additional nurturing session with mum only, incorporating a reflexology session.
- On-call for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after your estimated due date
- Birth attendance from active labour or when you feel you need me until you are ready to enjoy precious time to bond in your bubble as a new family. A very important experience, before extended family and friends are eager to visit.
- One postnatal visit of approximately 3 hours to debrief your birth and re-visit your postnatal support plan.
- Phone and email support whenever you feel the need.
My knowledge, experience, hands, heart and presence will be all yours throughout our time together.
Womb Service Doula Support Menu
If you're interested in looking at other services that can complement your birth and postnatal experience please see hypnobirthing Australia Childbirth Education and Placenta Encapsulation. Discounts on these services are given for Doula clients.
Essential Support Package
$2000
2 antenatal sessions
One-to-one time to honour you includes a reflexology session
On-call for 2 weeks before and after your estimated due date
Continuous support throughout labour and birth
1 postnatal session that includes debriefing your birth experience
Available by phone, text and email from the time of booking to 3 weeks postnatal
Nurture Support Package
$2500
2 antenatal sessions
One-to-one time to honour you includes a reflexology session
On-call for 2 weeks before and after your estimated due date
Continuous support throughout labour and birth
2 postnatal sessions
1 postnatal hormone balancing reflexology session
Available by phone, text and email from the time of booking to 6 weeks postnatal
C-section Connection Package - $1800
note - this is for planned c-sections
2 antenatal sessions
One-to-one time to honour you includes a reflexology session
Attendance and support in theatre
2 postnatal sessions that include debriefing your birth experience
Available by phone, text and email from the time of booking to 6 weeks postnatal
Antenatal Birth Preparation - $375
3-hour birth planning session, including some antenatal education tailored to your needs
Review of and support in amending your birth wishes if required.
Phone support of up to a total of one hour in the lead up to birth
Why not add placenta encapsulation with a $50 discount off any of the packages
Extra postnatal sessions available - see below
Additional Services
Postnatal Support Sessions
$600 for 3 x 3-hour sessions for new clients
$150* 1 x 3-hour session for existing doula clients
*price can be negotiated if additional sessions are desired
The 'fourth trimester' is a time of great adjustment as the baby comes to terms with being earthside and you grapple with your new identity as a mum, whether for the first or fourth time - each baby re-births you as a mother. It is a time of great joy but not without its challenges.
As a mother, I know only too well how depleted and drained you can feel once the initial high of meeting your precious baby has passed. You have been busy preparing for bub's arrival and ensuring that all is organised and you're all set for a positive, empowering birth experience. But have you thought about yourself!
Every family's situation is different and as such what I do varies from family to family but can include;
listening to, acknowledging and normalising feelings on the transition to parenthood
some time with dad to check in on his transition and how he can support himself to support his new family
caring for bub (and/or siblings) whilst mum has a shower or a rest
nurturing mum with a hormone balancing reflexology session
bathing and soothing tips
feeding support - whether breast or bottle
understanding newborn behaviour - crying and feeding cues
light housework
preparing a simple meal
phone and email support until the end of the final session.
Gift vouchers available - please contact me.