In order to feel comfortable about having me as your birth support, it is very important that it clicks between us and that your partner is comfortable with me being at the birth too. During the first meeting we will get to know each other a bit. You can express what your expectations are and ask any questions you may have.
If you decide to have me as your doula we will meet two or three more times to talk more specifically about your desires for the birth. During this time we will talk about the choices and options for birth and learn more about the birthing process. There is room to process any fears and insecurities you may have and plenty of space to learn different methods to help you relax during labour. I also help you create a birth plan with your wishes for the birth. Hopefully you will gain confidence and feel more prepared as the birth approaches.
As the due date gets closer our contact will intensify. I will be available by phone, text and email during this time to answer questions or discuss any developments that may arise in pregnancy. I will officially be on call for you from week 37. If you go into labour earlier I will, to the best of my ability, be available. I work with a back-up doula, though rarely necessary.
When you go into labour, whether it’s during the day or in the middle of the night, I will come to wherever you are, at home or at the hospital. I will strive to be present within an hour. No matter how long you labour I will stay with you till the baby is born and you are well settled. During delivery, I will be a constant support and in close proximity to the mother at all times. My job is defined by your needs. I will encourage relaxation and a positive birthing environment, massage and breathing techniques and whatever it takes to decrease the discomforts of labour. The midwife or gynecologist will intermittently monitor your progress. They are the ones who are medically responsible for the birth of your baby. We all work together to ensure a good and safe birthing experience.
In the week following the birth I will visit you to make sure you are doing well, to admire your little one and to talk through the birth experience. Before the baby is a month old I will visit again to wrap up our time together and process further if needed.
“I wanted a doula to help me have a natural labor, but it turned out having a doula for the reality we faced- an induction ending in a c-section- was perhaps more important because it was so emotionally challenging and unexpected. Sophie was so worth the investment. The return was immeasurable.”
Nan Pond