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Antenatal Doula

An antenatal Doula can be particularly useful if you are:

• having a difficult pregnancy – health problems with you or your baby
• new to the UK and our healthcare system
• anxious about the birth/becoming a parent and need a little extra care and reassurance

During the antenatal period I will visit you, to chat through any questions or concerns you might have and to adapt my support to your needs.

Sometimes this support might be offering a listening ear and companionship, particularly if you are new to the area or possibly in hospital. I can also provide information and details of local organisations and groups that may be of interest. Also contacts for organisations providing specialist support where appropriate.

You may require practical help. I am happy to take on light housework, shopping, childcare and run occasional errands where necessary. To relieve you of additional stresses, so that you can focus on you and your baby's needs.

Antenatal Classes

As an NCT Advanced Antenatal Teacher, I run regular courses for parents to help them prepare for birth and parenthood. I also run Relax, Stretch & Breathe classes focusing on breathing awareness and relaxation techniques for pregnancy and Refresher classes for those expecting a second or subsequent baby. Costs for NCT courses vary and concessionary rates are available. For more information visit www.nct.org.uk.

Postnatal Classes

I also now run postnatal mother and baby yoga classes.

One-to-One Antenatal Preparation

If you cannot attend an Antenatal Course or feel you would prefer antenatal preparation tailored to your individual needs, then I can offer you a private class.

Birth Doula

A birth doula can provide continuity and support for both you and your partner during the birth of your baby, no matter how long it may take!

Usually I will meet with you twice before your baby's arrival to discuss your ideas and preferences for the birth. We can also discuss my role and what you would like from me.

I am on call for you 24 hours a day for two weeks before and two weeks after your due date. When you go into labour, I am happy to be with you when you feel you'd like my support. That could be from the first twinge or once your labour has established, which ever you prefer. I will then stay with you until your baby is born; you are comfortable and happy for me to leave.

During labour I can

• Help you establish a private, calm birth environment – even in hospital
• Provide practical help with labour positions and self help techniques such as massage, relaxation and breathing
• Support your partner to enable them to be as actively involved as they wish or to take time out if they want/need to without leaving you on your own.
• Provide a sounding board should you need to make informed decisions in labour
• Provide emotional support and encouragement for both of you
• Help with using complimentary therapies in labour, such as homeopathy, aromatherapy.

After your baby is born I will visit you again to see how you are getting on and offer you the opportunity to talk through your birth experience.

Postnatal Doula

A postnatal doula can help during the first few weeks after birth to encourage you to find your own way of parenting with confidence. Depending on your birth experience, and whether this is your first or a subsequent baby, your needs will vary. I can provide:

• Practical support with general baby-care – handling your baby, bathing, changing nappies, dressing, etc
• Help and support with breastfeeding (if applicable)
• Time out – to rest and recuperate after the birth
• Help with light housework and chores
• Help care for your other children (if applicable)
• Companionship – someone to chat to and share thoughts/ideas
• Support – to help you grow in confidence

Area Covered

I'm happy to travel up to 45 minutes (30 minutes for postnatal doulaing) from my home, near Sevenoaks in Kent. Areas I've previously covered have included Orpington, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Wrotham, Kings Hill (West Malling) and Maidstone. If you're unsure, please contact me.